Anti-infective drug selection: Balancing penetration and potency with lack of cytotoxicity.

This article focuses on anti-infective drug selection for balancing penetration and potency with lack of cytotoxicity. The greater the tissue penetration, the better the opportunity to eliminate postoperative infections in both cataract and refractive surgery. In corneal refractive surgery, tack of cytotoxicity is extremely important to vision recovery and a good overall outcome. Any time the epithelium is damaged, there is greater antibiotic penetration. The practice of frequent dosing in the early postcataract-surgery period may cause toxicity and lead to delayed wound healing by several hours, possibly increasing the risk of endophthalmitis rather than reducing it.