Harnessing Natural Bioactive Compounds for Ocular Health: A Comprehensive Review

Ocular disorders such as age-related macular degeneration, cataract, dry eye disease, and diabetic retinopathy represent a growing global public health burden. Natural bioactive compounds, particularly carotenoids, flavonoids, and traditional herbal extracts, have demonstrated significant antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and neuroprotective effects on ocular tissues. However, the clinical translation of these phytomolecules is often limited by poor solubility, low stability, and inadequate ocular bioavailability. Recent advances in nanotechnology have enabled the development of targeted delivery platforms, including nanoparticles, nanoemulsions, hydrogels, and liposomes, which enhance tissue-specific delivery, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. This review critically evaluates current evidence from in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies on the role of natural compounds in ocular health, highlighting their mechanisms of action, safety profiles, and pharmacological potential. Furthermore, the integration of traditional medicinal systems with modern ophthalmic strategies, supported by personalised nanoformulation approaches, offers promising avenues for holistic and patient-centred eye care. Key challenges related to standardisation, regulatory compliance, quality control, and large-scale manufacturing are discussed, along with future directions for bioprospecting novel ocular bioactives and advancing integrative strategies for sustainable eye health management.