New intraocular lens containing a drug delivery system (IOL-DDS) loaded with dexamethasone

This study demonstrates the development of polymeric PLGA (50:50) nanoparticles containing dexamethasone acetate, which are dispersed in a PVA film and added to hydrophobic intraocular lenses (IOL) exclusively designed for this application. The resulting IOL-drug delivery system (IOL-DDS) can be introduced into the eye with syringe-type injectors and standard surgical techniques. The obtained results showed that the lens design does not compromise stability within the eye or weaken the loops, preserves its optical zone, and maintains injector's functionality during surgery. The IOL-DDS releases the drug in vivo for 7 days within the therapeutic concentration range. Short-term assessment confirms the safety of the developed device for ocular structures, which is supported by slit lamp observations, intraocular pressure measurements, optical coherence tomography, and histological analysis. Minor changes in specular microscopy parameters are observed and may be related to the use of IOL and surgical instruments designed for human eyes in smaller rabbit eyes.