Antimicrobial drug delivery to the eye.

A major obstacle in the treatment of ocular infections is the difficulty in obtaining adequate antimicrobial drug concentration at the site of infection. This article reviews the pharmacokinetic principles of ophthalmic drug delivery as it pertains to antimicrobial therapy. The administration of antimicrobials by topical application, subconjunctival injection, intravitreal injection, vitreous replacement fluid, and systemic administration are addressed. Representative data on the intraocular penetration of antimicrobials as well as recommended doses of drugs for ocular infections are presented.