Gold nanoparticles in ophthalmology

Many research projects are underway to improve the diagnosis and therapy in ophthalmology. Indeed, visual acuity deficits affect 285 million people worldwide and different strategies are being developed to strengthen patient care. One of these strategies is the use of gold nanoparticles (GNP) for their multiple properties and their ability to be used as both diagnosis and therapy tools. This review exhaustively details research developing GNPs for use in ophthalmology. The toxicity of GNPs and their distribution in the eye are described through in vitro and in vivo studies. All publications addressing the pharmacokinetics of GNPs administered in the eye are extensively reviewed. In addition, their use as biosensors or for imaging with optical coherence tomography is illustrated. The future of GNPs for ophthalmic therapy is also discussed. GNPs can be used to deliver genes or drugs through different administration routes. Their antiangiogenic and anti-inflammatory properties are of great interest for different ocular pathologies. Finally, GNPs can be used to improve stereotactic radiosurgery, brachytherapy, and photothermal therapy because of their many properties.