Advanced Drug Delivery Systems for Age-Related Macular Degeneration Treatment: Latest Trends and Future Prospects

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of irreversible vision loss in the elderly. While wet AMD is primarily characterized by choroidal neovascularization, dry AMD is characterized by dysfunction of the retinal pigment epithelium. One of the key challenges in AMD treatment is achieving efficient drug delivery to the posterior segment, a task complicated by the anatomical and physiological barriers, such as rapid clearance from the vitreous. Current therapeutic approaches, mainly constituted by frequent intravitreal injections of anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents for wet AMD, place a heavy burden on patients, leading to complications such as retinal detachment and endophthalmitis. This review highlights recently developed drug delivery systems designed to overcome these challenges and the potential of these systems to transform AMD management. These systems include hydrogels, nanocarriers, and biologically derived vesicles, which enable sustained, localized drug release and improved targeting. Additionally, device-based delivery systems such as microneedles, ultrasound-mediated systems, magnetically guided systems, 3D bioprinting, and implantable sustained-release devices are explored for their potential to reduce injection frequency and improve therapeutic outcomes. Lastly, it outlines future efforts needed to accelerate the clinical adoption of these innovative therapies, with a focus on patient safety, efficacy, and quality of life in AMD treatment.