An exploration of the ocular mysteries linking nanoparticles to the patho-therapeutic effects against keratitis.

Abstract

Microbial keratitis, a sight-threatening corneal infection, remains a significant global health concern. Conventional therapies using antimicrobial agents often suffers from limitations such as poor drug penetration, side effects, and occurrence of drug resistance, with poor prognosis. Novel treatment techniques, with their unique properties and targeted delivery capabilities, offers a promising solution to overcome these challenges. This review delves into timely update of the state-of-the-art advance therapeutics for keratitis treatment. The diverse microbial origins of keratitis, including viral, bacterial, and fungal infections, exploring their complex pathogenic mechanisms, followed by the drug resistance mechanisms in keratitis pathogens are reviewed briefly. Importantly, the emerging therapeutic techniques for keratitis treatment including piezodynamic therapy, photothermal therapy, photodynamic therapy, nanoenzyme therapy, and metal ion therapy are summarized in this review showcasing their potential to overcome the limitations of traditional treatments. The challenges and future directions for advance therapies and nanotechnology-based approaches are discussed, focusing on safety, targeting strategies, drug resistance, and combination therapies. This review aims to inspire researchers to revolutionize and accelerate the development of functional materials using different therapies for keratitis treatment.