Advances in Controlled Release Formulations for Ocular Diseases: Improving Patient Compliance and Therapeutic Outcomes.

Abstract

A majority of the global population suffers from eye diseases, but few effective treatment options are available with ophthalmic drug therapies. The reasons that have been identified are (1) lack of awareness about the options for treatments, drugs, polymeric science, or physiological barriers, (2) limitations in bringing drug therapies to the posterior segment of the eye due to physiological or anatomical limitations, and (3) regulatory and production difficulties of ocular drug products. Innovative ocular medication delivery and therapies are covered in this study, including hydrogels, nano micelles, implants, nanoparticles, microparticles, liposomes, in situ gels, and microneedles. Moreover, due to their potential to capture both hydrophilic and lipophilic medications, increase ocular permeability, prolong the period of residence, enhance drug stability, and increase bioavailability, this review includes nanotechnology-based carriers. The research encompassed various eye disorders, obstacles to ocular delivery, multiple ocular administration routes, a range of nanostructured platforms, characterization approaches, methods to improve ocular delivery, and emerging technologies. This review aims to provide information on the anatomy of the eye, various ocular conditions, and obstacles to ocular delivery. The benefits and drawbacks of various ocular dose forms or delivery techniques are also evaluated. Finally, it describes methods for increasing ocular bioavailability.