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Advancements in Nanodrug Delivery Systems as Controlled-Release Systems for Glaucoma Therapy: An Inspirational Step

Tanin Hosseinkhani1, Ahmad Karami2, Shahla Mirzaeei1,2

  • 1Nano Drug Delivery Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6715847141, Iran.

Biomedicines
|May 27, 2026
PubMed

Insights

Nanodrug delivery systems offer improved glaucoma treatment by enhancing bioavailability and prolonging drug release. These advanced carriers show promise for overcoming challenges associated with conventional eye drops for managing intraocular pressure.

Area of Science:

  • Ophthalmology
  • Nanotechnology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • Glaucoma causes irreversible vision loss due to retinal ganglion cell decline.
  • Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) is the primary modifiable risk factor for glaucoma.
  • Conventional ophthalmic drugs face challenges like poor absorption and short drug retention.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in nanocarrier-based ocular drug delivery systems for glaucoma management.
  • To evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of various nanocarriers.
  • To assess the clinical translation potential of these nanodrug systems.

Main Methods:

  • Review of recent developments in nanodrug delivery for glaucoma.
  • Evaluation of nanocarriers including nanoparticles, micelles, liposomes, and nanofibers.
  • Assessment of drug release profiles (specifically >12 hours) and ocular performance.

Main Results:

  • Nanocarriers significantly improve ocular barrier penetration and bioavailability.
  • These systems offer prolonged drug release, enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
  • Nanodrug delivery systems demonstrate potential for targeted delivery and IOP reduction.

Conclusions:

  • Nanodrug delivery systems represent a promising strategy to overcome limitations of conventional glaucoma treatments.
  • Various nanocarriers show potential for improved patient outcomes and clinical application.
  • Further research is needed to optimize nanocarrier systems for widespread clinical use in glaucoma management.
Keywords:
glaucomananocarriersnanodrug deliveryocular drug delivery systemssustained releasetranslation from research to clinic

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