Gatifloxacin ophthalmic solution 0.3% in the treatment of bacterial keratitis

Infectious keratitis can be a medical emergency that can lead to a profound loss of vision if not treated promptly and appropriately. Although a shift in the etiology and predisposing factors has been reported within the past few years, bacteria still predominate as the causative organisms of infectious keratitis in temperate climates. The clinical outcome is greatly influenced by the rate of epithelial and stromal healing, which is affected by multiple factors, including the overall health of the patient, status of the ocular surface and selection of the topical ophthalmic preparations used during treatment. Fourth-generation fluoroquinolones, including gatifloxacin, have been widely adopted for an 'off-label' treatment of bacterial keratitis because of their broad-spectrum potency and effective penetration, as well as their minimal effects on corneal wound healing.