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Hydrogels as Promising Carriers for Ophthalmic Disease Treatment: A Comprehensive Review
Wenxiang Zhu1,2, Mingfang Xia1, Yahui He2
1Aier Academy of Ophthalmology, Central South University, Changsha 410083, China.
Gels (Basel, Switzerland)
|February 26, 2026
Summary
Hydrogels offer advanced ophthalmic drug delivery for eye diseases like keratitis and glaucoma. Stimuli-responsive hydrogels provide precise, controlled release, improving therapeutic efficacy and overcoming delivery barriers.
Area of Science:
- Biomaterials Science
- Ophthalmology
- Drug Delivery Systems
Background:
- Ocular disorders are a leading cause of vision loss globally.
- Current treatments face challenges like poor drug bioavailability and ocular barriers.
- Hydrogels present a promising solution for ophthalmic drug delivery due to their properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review hydrogel applications in treating various ocular diseases.
- To highlight advances in stimuli-responsive hydrogels for controlled drug release.
- To evaluate translational aspects for clinical feasibility.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature review on hydrogel classification, fabrication, and properties.
- Analysis of hydrogel applications in keratitis, glaucoma, AMD, DR, and DED.
- Evaluation of stimuli-responsive hydrogel mechanisms and translational challenges.
Main Results:
- Hydrogels show potential in managing keratitis, glaucoma, AMD, DR, and DED.
- Stimuli-responsive hydrogels enable precise, on-demand drug release.
- Key translational factors like safety, scalability, and regulation were assessed.
Conclusions:
- Hydrogels are versatile platforms for advanced ophthalmic therapies.
- Stimuli-responsive hydrogels enhance treatment precision and efficacy.
- Addressing translational aspects is crucial for clinical adoption of hydrogel-based therapies.
Keywords:
corneal repairdrug deliverydry eye diseaseglaucomahydrogelophthalmic diseasesretinal disordersMore Related Videos
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