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Treatment of glaucoma with drug-loaded contact lenses: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Diya Zhang1, Cong Ren2, Xuan Wang1

  • 1Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China.

European Journal of Pharmacology
|February 24, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Drug-loaded contact lenses offer effective and safe glaucoma treatment, significantly reducing intraocular pressure (IOP) compared to eye drops. Nanoparticle formulations with timolol are recommended for future clinical research.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Materials Science
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Glaucoma treatment traditionally relies on eye drops, which can have compliance issues and side effects.
  • Drug-loaded contact lenses offer a novel sustained-release drug delivery system for managing intraocular pressure (IOP).

Purpose of the Study:

  • To systematically review the effectiveness and safety of drug-loaded contact lenses for glaucoma treatment.
  • To provide guidance for future clinical research in this area.

Main Methods:

  • A systematic literature search was conducted up to May 1, 2024, across multiple databases.
  • Included studies were assessed for quality using CAMARADES.
  • Safety, intraocular pressure reduction (IOPR), and duration of IOP decline were analyzed qualitatively and quantitatively.

Main Results:

  • 47 studies were included, showing significant IOP reduction (up to 50%) and no corneal damage in clinical trials.
  • Medicated contact lenses demonstrated superior IOP reduction compared to eye drops in animal models.
  • Contact lenses with timolol, timolol + dorzolamide, and timolol + latanoprost showed better IOP reduction; puerarin, latanoprost, and timolol + bimatoprost did not.
  • Sustained drug release and IOP reduction for at least 3 days were observed.

Conclusions:

  • Drug-loaded contact lenses demonstrate excellent efficacy and safety for glaucoma management.
  • Nanoparticle-loaded contact lenses containing timolol are a promising option for future clinical investigation.
Keywords:
Drug-loaded contact lensesGlaucomaIntraocular pressure reductionMeta-analysisSystematic review

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