LL OF THE OCULAR tissues, just like other tissues of the body, can suffer from inflammatory disorders. Such inflammations can be due to infection by bacteria, viruses, fungi, or parasites, or may be the result of allergic phenomena, exposure to irritants, or of trauma. Similarly, the same measures that are used to quiet inflammation in other body tissues are often equally effective for the eye. The eye, however, has some advantages over other body organs, so far as pharmacologic approach is concerned. The external structures of the eye, for instance-the lids, conjunctiva, cornea, and lacrimal drainage system-are quite readily accessible for treatment. The internal ocular structures, on the other hand-such as the retina, choroid, vitreous body, and optic nerve-are less easily reached. In addition, the barrier between the blood and the ocular fluids and tissues is not so easily traversed as similar barriers elsewhere in the body. In this regard, the eye resembles the brain. Table I lists many but not all of the agents used to control ocular inflammation. A complete list would be overly long and extensive since such a plethora of drugs is currently available. At least one from each therapeutic class is included, how-