Ali, Zachary J.
(2021)
A Review of Current and Novel Approaches for Treatment of Keratitis.
Master's Thesis, University of Pittsburgh.
(Unpublished)
Abstract
Keratitis is an ocular disease characterized by inflammation of the cornea. If not treated quickly and efficiently, keratitis can lead to ocular morbidity. It is categorized, based on causal agent, into non-infectious and infectious keratitis. Non-infectious keratitis is commonly due to ocular injury or prolonged use of contact lenses and can lead to opportunistic infection; these infectious agents consist of HSV-1, Staphylococcus, Candida, and Acanthamoeba, among others. Treatment of infectious/microbial keratitis differs depending on the pathogen and each patient requires unique care and treatment. Topical administration of drugs, via eyedrops, is the most common form of initial treatment for keratitis. However, physiological barriers within the eye lead to poor bioavailability of drug from eyedrops, and frequent administration is needed to overcome this challenge. Since conventional treatment is not ideal, it is important to develop novel drugs and delivery methods that are more appropriate for treating ocular conditions and protect the corneal epithelium. Novel pharmaceutical approaches, such as drug-loaded contact lenses, in situ gel formulations, and nanoparticle-carriers are some of the most promising novel drug delivery methods currently being investigated. They are being used to deliver common antimicrobial agents such as nucleosides, fluroquinolones, and steroids, but with greater ocular bioavailability. A novel non-pharmaceutical approach, corneal crosslinking, has also been developed to treat keratitis. This review will discuss these current treatment options and conventional challenges regarding keratitis, with an emphasis on keratitis due to microbial pathogens.
Share
| Citation/Export: |
|
| Social Networking: |
|
Details
| Item Type: |
University of Pittsburgh ETD
|
| Status: |
Unpublished |
| Creators/Authors: |
|
| ETD Committee: |
|
| Date: |
26 May 2021 |
| Date Type: |
Publication |
| Defense Date: |
28 April 2021 |
| Approval Date: |
26 May 2021 |
| Submission Date: |
10 May 2021 |
| Access Restriction: |
No restriction; Release the ETD for access worldwide immediately. |
| Number of Pages: |
27 |
| Institution: |
University of Pittsburgh |
| Schools and Programs: |
School of Pharmacy > Pharmaceutical Sciences |
| Degree: |
MS - Master of Science |
| Thesis Type: |
Master's Thesis |
| Refereed: |
Yes |
| Uncontrolled Keywords: |
keratitis; infectious; microbial; viral; bacterial; fungal; amoebic; drug delivery |
| Date Deposited: |
26 May 2021 12:21 |
| Last Modified: |
26 May 2021 12:21 |
| URI: |
http://d-scholarship.pitt.edu/id/eprint/41057 |
Metrics
Monthly Views for the past 3 years
Plum Analytics
Actions (login required)
 |
View Item |
![[feed]](/images/feed-icon-32x32.png){kind=icon}