Penetration of Penethamate, a Penicillin Ester, into the Tissues of the Eye

If antibiotic treatment of an inflammation of the eye or of the adnexa is to be successful, the micro-organisms involved must be susceptible to the antibiotic, while the concentration of the latter at the site of the infection must be sufficient. Superficial infections of the eye are effectively dealt with by the local application of antibiotics. The local concentration can easily be maintained at an effective level and microbiological identifications will make it possible to choose from the many antibiotics available. Treatment of infections of the inner eye offers no such opportunities. As long as the material remains hidden in the inner tissues of the eye, bacterial identification will be impossible. Apart from this, it is a wellestablished fact that it is very difficult to bring antibiotics into the inner eye in adequate quantity. Penicillin and streptomycin, given by subconjunctival injections, are favorable exceptions.¹But when it is necessary