Innovative Drug Delivery Systems for the Treatment of Glaucoma

Abstract

Glaucoma is a chronic optic neuropathy characterized by progressive retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss and visual field deterioration, with elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) representing the primary modifiable risk factor. Conventional topical pharmacotherapy, while effective in lowering IOP, suffers from poor ocular bioavailability (< 5%), frequent dosing requirements, and suboptimal patient adherence. Here we review the evolution of ocular drug delivery systems for glaucoma management, encompassing both clinically available platforms and emerging nanotechnological approaches. Clinically deployed modalities—including medicated contact lenses, ocular inserts, punctal plugs, and surgical implants—have advanced from simple sustained-release devices to sophisticated platforms capable of targeted, prolonged drug delivery to the anterior segment. Concurrently, novel systems based on nanoparticles, dendrimers, liposomes, hydrogels, and stimuli-responsive materials are being developed to overcome ocular barriers, enhance corneal penetration, and enable spatiotemporally controlled drug release. These innovations promise to transform glaucoma therapy by reducing dosing frequency, minimizing systemic side effects, and improving long-term patient compliance. However, clinical translation faces formidable challenges, including manufacturing scalability, sterilization stability, and rigorous safety validation. This review provides a comprehensive framework for understanding current and future drug delivery strategies, highlighting how biomaterial engineering and nanomedicine are reshaping the therapeutic landscape for this chronic, sight-threatening disease.

Keywords

antiglaucoma drug / drug delivery systems / glaucoma / intraocular pressure

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