Traditional immunesuppressive therapy: is there something we should know further?

Summary The cornerstone of management of ocular inflammatory disease historically has been corticosteroids, which are invaluable in the immediate control of inflammation; however, corticosteroids are inappropriate for long‐term use as they are associated with a wide array of toxic side effects. As we continue to learn more about the various etiologies and elucidate the basic science pathways and mechanisms of action that cause intraocular inflammation, new therapeutic approaches have evolved. They include employment of immunomodulatory agents (corticosteroid‐sparing therapies) that have expanded our treatment options for these vision‐threatening diseases. These pharmacologics provide therapy for ocular and systemic inflammation in an individualized, patient‐tailored, stepladder approach with the ultimate goal of durable, corticosteroid‐free remission.