Management of inflammation in the cornea and conjunctiva.

The ability of the cornea to react to inflammatory stimuli is limited, and in most instances the polymorphonuclear leukocyte is primarily responsible for corneal damage. Of currently available drugs, corticosteroids are the most effective for the non-specific control of these inflammatory cells. Principles for obtaining maximal therapeutic effect from minimal amounts of the drug are presented. The use of corticosteroids in the treatment of a keratitis caused by various types of replicating microbial agents is discussed. The response to therapy of inflammatory processes in the conjunctiva seemingly differs from the response in the cornea. Suggestions are offered for corticosteroid use in conjunctivitis.