Drug-eluting contact lenses: Progress, challenges, and prospects

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Biomaterials Science
• Drug Delivery Systems

Background:

• Topical ophthalmic solutions (eye drops) are widely used for ocular diseases due to safety and ease of use.
• However, poor ocular bioavailability (<5%) limits the efficacy of conventional eye drops.
• Drug-eluting corneal contact lenses (DECLs) are explored as an alternative for sustained drug delivery and enhanced bioavailability.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review advances in drug-eluting corneal contact lenses (DECLs).
• To examine key aspects including preparation, drug loading, release mechanisms, and ocular barrier penetration.
• To assess safety, biocompatibility, and future perspectives for clinical application.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of DECLs.
• Analysis of preparation materials and drug-loading strategies.
• Evaluation of drug release mechanisms and ocular penetration enhancement techniques.

Main Results:

• DECLs demonstrate potential for sustained drug release and improved bioavailability.
• Various strategies exist for enhancing ocular barrier penetration.
• Methods for in vitro and in vivo drug delivery detection, safety, and biocompatibility validation are discussed.

Conclusions:

• DECLs represent a promising drug delivery system for ocular diseases.
• Further research is needed to address challenges and optimize clinical application.
• This review provides a comprehensive overview of DECL technology and its future directions.