Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

By Dr. Tamas Solymosi, Lead Scientist, Nanoform

The human eye, though vital for sight, poses a significant challenge for delivering medications. While ophthalmic drug delivery, the process of administering drugs directly to the eye, offers the potential for targeted treatment and reduced side effects, the eye's complex structure and protective barriers create hurdles. This is particularly concerning considering the WHO reports at least 2.2 billion people globally experience visual impairment [1]. Age-related macular degeneration (AMD), diabetic retinopathy (DR), and ocular infections are just a few conditions that can severely impact vision and quality of life.

Fortunately, ophthalmic drug delivery holds promise. The eye provides a direct route to the target site, enabling localized treatment and minimizing systemic side effects. Additionally, this approach can offer a rapid onset of action and improve patient compliance, making it a valuable tool for managing various ocular diseases. However, effective delivery has its difficulties. This article delves into the challenges of ophthalmic drug delivery, explores its intricacies, and examines the potential of nanoparticles as a game-changing technology for ocular drug-delivery systems (DDS).