Recent advances in polysaccharide-based strategies for glaucoma therapy: A review

Glaucoma remains one of the leading causes of visual impairment and blindness worldwide. Recent investigations have highlighted four major therapeutic targets in glaucoma treatment: intraocular pressure elevation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and neurodegeneration. In this context, polysaccharides have emerged as promising materials for addressing these pathological factors due to their modifiability, biodegradability, and biocompatibility. Polysaccharides, such as chitosan, hyaluronic acid, alginate, cyclodextrin, and cellulose, have been widely utilized to enhance ocular safety, precorneal retention, and loading capacity/release profile of anti-glaucoma medication. Beyond its role as a drug carrier, polysaccharide has also demonstrated intrinsic therapeutic potential, particularly in promoting neuroprotection and neuroregeneration. Moreover, these applications extend to various aspects of glaucoma management, including postoperative care and ongoing clinical trials. The review offers a comprehensive overview of recent advances in polysaccharide-based strategies for glaucoma therapy, with a focus on the potential to support long-term, multifaceted treatment approaches.