Ofloxacin laden microemulsion contact lens to treat conjunctivitis

Currently, conjunctivitis is treated using ofloxacin eye drop solution, which shows low bioavailability and patient non-compliance. Ofloxacin loaded contact lens can be used to overcome the issues related to eye drop solutions (i.e. low bioavailability and frequent instillation). However, the conventional soaking method shows poor ofloxacin uptake and significantly affect the swelling and optical properties of the contact lenses. The current research investigates the effect of microemulsion on the ofloxacin uptake and its effect on the physical properties of the contact lens along with ofloxacin-release kinetics. In comparison to the conventional soaking method (Of-SM, ofloxacin-packaging solution), the ofloxacin loaded microemulsion-soaked contact lenses (Of-ME) showed improved drug uptake and physical properties of the contact lenses. The in vitro release data of Of-ME contact lenses showed 72-120 h release profile, while Of-SM contact lenses showed 24-60 h. The in vivo drug release data in the tear fluid (New Zealand rabbit's eye) showed high ofloxacin retention in comparison to the eye drop solution. The efficacy study in the rabbit model showed equivalent healing effect with the Of-ME contact lens in comparison to the frequent high dose eye drop therapy. Thus, the study demonstrates the application of microemulsion system to improve the ofloxacin loading capacity in the contact lens along with improvement in the physical properties to treat conjunctivitis.