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Updated: May 12, 2026
08:28
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
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Atropine-Loaded Contact Lens Sustained-Release Systems: A Narrative Review for the New Frontier for Myopia Management
Yuhang Liu1,2, Xiaohang Chen1,3, Chenhao Zhu4
1Department of Ophthalmology, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, 610065, China.
Ophthalmology and Therapy
|November 18, 2025
Summary
Contact lens drug delivery offers a superior method for myopia management compared to eye drops. This advanced system enhances atropine delivery for better myopia control and patient adherence.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology and Pharmaceutical Sciences
- Biomaterials and Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- High myopia presents a significant global health challenge.
- Conventional low-concentration atropine eye drops have limitations including poor bioavailability and patient compliance.
- Advanced drug delivery systems are needed to improve myopia control.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review contact lens-based drug delivery platforms for myopia management.
- To analyze atropine-eluting contact lenses as a sustained-release system.
- To compare this novel approach with traditional atropine eye drops.
Main Methods:
- Systematic review of global myopia prevalence and atropine pharmacology.
- Analysis of design principles for atropine-eluting contact lenses (materials, loading, release, evaluation).
- Evaluation of clinical efficacy and comparison with conventional methods.
Main Results:
- Contact lens platforms offer improved bioavailability and patient adherence over eye drops.
- Sustained atropine release from lenses demonstrates potential for enhanced myopia control.
- Design considerations for lenses include material selection and drug release kinetics.
Conclusions:
- Atropine-eluting contact lenses represent a transformative approach to myopia management.
- This sustained-release system has the potential to improve treatment efficacy and patient adherence.
- Further research is needed to address technical challenges and safety considerations.
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