Soft Contact Lens with Embedded Microtubes for Sustained and Self-Adaptive Drug Delivery for Glaucoma Treatment

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Ophthalmic drug delivery faces significant challenges due to physiological and anatomical eye constraints.
• Topical ophthalmic drug administration results in low bioavailability, with less than 1% reaching the target aqueous humor.
• Achieving sustained therapeutic drug concentrations at the site of action is complex.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel contact lens device for noninvasive, extended ophthalmic drug delivery.
• To evaluate the potential for improved drug bioavailability and reduced adverse effects compared to conventional methods.
• To explore a self-adaptive drug release mechanism triggered by mechanical stimuli.

Main Methods:

• Fabrication of a contact lens with embedded microtubes serving as drug reservoirs.
• In vitro and/or in vivo assessment of drug release kinetics over an extended period (up to 45 days).
• Evaluation of drug bioavailability and potential adverse effects.
• Testing of a drug release trigger mechanism involving stretching of the contact lens.

Main Results:

• The novel contact lens device demonstrated sustained drug release for up to 45 days.
• The device achieved higher drug bioavailability compared to traditional topical delivery methods.
• The contact lens exhibited a lower risk profile for adverse effects.
• A drug release mechanism triggered by lens stretching was successfully demonstrated.

Conclusions:

• The developed contact lens represents a promising noninvasive strategy for extended ophthalmic drug delivery.
• This technology offers potential for enhanced therapeutic efficacy and patient compliance in treating various eye conditions.
• The self-adaptive drug release capability holds significant promise for personalized glaucoma management.