Application of photoresponsive materials in ophthalmology

Light responsive materials are functional materials that can undergo chemical or physical changes within or between molecules after absorbing light energy, thereby exhibiting changes in certain macroscopic properties. These changes may include changes in the shape, color, or refractive index. The properties of materials can be changed by different light reactions or adjusting light parameters. Due to the cleanliness of the light source and the precise control of materials in time and space, photoresponsive materials are utilized for controlled drug release systems, biosensors, fluorescent probes, tissue engineering scaffolds, regenerative medicine, and photothermal and photodynamic therapy. In the field of ophthalmology, photoresponsive materials have been developed for ocular drug delivery, photodynamic therapy and photothermal therapy for ocular diseases, involving the refractive and photosensitive systems of the eye. This review aims to summarize updated development of photoresponsive materials in ophthalmology and discusse their applications and potential.