Nanomedicine in glaucoma treatment; Current challenges and future perspectives

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Nanotechnology
• Pharmaceutics

Background:

• Glaucoma affects millions globally, with a projected rise to 111 million cases by 2040.
• Current treatments, primarily hypotensive eye drops, face challenges in patient adherence and drug bioavailability.
• Nanomedicine presents a potential solution to overcome these limitations in glaucoma management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the limitations of conventional glaucoma treatments.
• To explore the role and applications of nanomedicine in glaucoma therapy.
• To discuss nanocarrier design, influencing factors, and future clinical translation.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of recent advancements in nanomedicine for glaucoma.
• Analysis of nanocarrier types and their rational design principles.
• Identification of challenges for clinical application of antiglaucoma nanomedicine.

Main Results:

• Nanopharmaceuticals can enhance drug bioavailability and patient adherence for glaucoma.
• Various nanocarriers (e.g., nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles) show potential for targeted drug delivery.
• Key factors influencing nanomedicine performance in glaucoma treatment were identified.

Conclusions:

• Nanomedicine holds significant promise for improving glaucoma treatment efficacy.
• Overcoming clinical challenges is crucial for the successful translation of antiglaucoma nanomedicines.
• Future research should focus on optimizing nanomedicine design and clinical application strategies.