In the past few years, remarkable development has been made in overcoming the problems associated with traditional ocular drug delivery methods, such as eye drops and ointments. Scientists and researchers are constantly working to develop more advanced technologies in ocular drug delivery to increase the efficacy of drug absorption, enhance patient adhеrеncе to treatment, and deliver therapy to particular ocular tissues that require it.
Recent Advancement in Ocular Drug Delivery:
Nanotechnology
One fascinating
area of progress lies in the realm of nanotechnology. In ocular
drug delivery, nanotechnology involves the use
of tiny particles or carriers to enhance the efficiency and efficacy of
medication delivery to the eye. These particles, typically 1 to 100 nm in size,
can be specially designed to enclose drugs, protect them from deterioration,
and improve their ability to target specific tissues within the eye.
Nanoparticles for
delivering drugs to the eye can be made from special materials, such as lipids,
polymers, or metals, relying on their desired properties and drug
compatibility. The small size of these particles makes them more powerful in
crossing the eye barrier, such as the cornea or the blood-retinal barrier,
allowing them to reach specific sites where drugs need to be delivered.
Controlling the
release of drugs is a significant advantage of nanotechnologies for the
delivery of drugs to the eyes. Nanoparticles can be programmed to continuously
and precisely release drugs, resulting in longer therapeutic efficacy and
reducing the need for frequent dosing. It has the potential to improve patient
adherence and convenience, especially in the case of long-term eye conditions
requiring ongoing drug treatment.
Furthermore,
nanotechnology enables the precise administration of medication to specific
areas of the eye. By altering the external layer of nanoparticles using ligands
or antibodies, scientists can produce particles that attach exclusively to
receptors or biomarkers of specific cells. These cells may be involved in
various retinal ailments. This method of targeting reduces undesirable effects
on non-targeted areas and reduces the overall impact on the body.
Smart contact lenses
Smart contact
lenses are indeed changing ocular drug delivery, indicating a significant
advancement in the delivery of ocular drugs. These technologically advanced
lenses go beyond just vision correction. They can provide targeted and controlled
drug delivery directly to the eye, making them a game-changer in the field of
ophthalmology.
Smart contact
lenses have been designed for ocular drug delivery. These lenses contain
microfluidic channels or reservoirs to store drugs. It is developed to release
drugs in a controlled manner, ensuring a continuous therapeutic effect for a
specified period. This eliminates the need to frequently apply eye drops or
injections and provides patients with a more convenient and effective treatment
alternative.
One of the
significant benefits of smart contact lenses is their ability to deliver drugs
directly to the surface of the eye. These lenses maintain constant contact with
the eye, enabling the precise release of the drug's location. This method of
targeted drug delivery improves the effectiveness of the medication and reduces
any potential side effects that are commonly associated with traditional
methods of drug delivery.
In addition, the
integration of biosensors into smart contact lenses is a unique feature. These
biosensors can monitor various physiological parameters of the eye, inclusive
of intraocular pressure or glucose level, in real-time. This information can be
transmitted wirelessly to a smartphone or different devices, allowing
continuous monitoring and personalized treatment for conditions like glaucoma
or diabetes.
Furthermore, smart
contact lenses can revolutionize the way we deal with eye conditions. These
lenses can release various chemicals which includes anti-inflammatory drugs,
antibiotics, or treatment for glaucoma. This adaptability makes it viable to
deal with a huge variety of eye diseases and disorders using a single device.
Key developments by frontrunners:
In September 2020,
Bausch Health Companies Inc. announced the approval by the United States Food
and Drug Administration (FDA) of Alaway® Preservative Free (ketotifen fumarate)
ophthalmic solution, 0.035%, and antihistamine eye drops (EM-100) by the United
States FDA.
Moreover, in
February 2021, Alimera Sciences, Inc. (Alimera), a pharmaceutical enterprise
focused on the advancement and distribution of prescription ophthalmic drugs,
launched ILUVIEN in Finland to address diabetic macular edema (DME) and
non-infectious uveitis affecting the posterior segment (NIPU), intending for its
promotion and distribution to be handled by Nordic Prime on behalf of Alimera.
In conclusion, the
field of ocular drug delivery is growing rapidly due to technological advances
and the increasing need for targeted therapies. This area has great potential for
revolutionizing eye treatments and improving patient care.
References
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/ocular-drug-delivery-market
https://www.alliedmarketresearch.com/press-release/ocular-drug-delivery-market.html
Author’s Bio:
Harshada Dive is a computer engineer by qualification. She
has worked as a customer service associate for several years. As an Associate
Content Writer, she loves to experiment with trending topics and develop her
unique writing skills. When Harshada's not writing, she likes gardening and
listening to motivational podcasts.
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