Improvements in Topical Ocular Drug Delivery Systems: Hydrogels and Contact Lenses

Authors

  • Andreza Maria Ribeiro University of Coimbra Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde Portugal http://orcid.org/0000-0003-3002-7362
  • Ana Figueiras University of Coimbra Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde Portugal
  • Francisco Veiga University of Coimbra Department of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Technology Pólo III - Pólo das Ciências da Saúde Portugal

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.18433/J3H60P

Abstract

Conventional ophthalmic systems present very low corneal systemic bioavailability due to the nasolacrimal drainage and the difficulty to deliver the drug in the posterior segment of ocular tissue. For these reasons, recent advances have focused on the development of new ophthalmic drug delivery systems. This review provides an insight into the various constraints associated with ocular drug delivery, summarizes recent findings in soft contact lenses (SCL) and the applications of novel pharmaceutical systems for ocular drug delivery. Among the new therapeutic approaches in ophthalmology, SCL are novel continuous-delivery systems, providing high and sustained levels of drugs to the cornea. The tendency of research in ophthalmic drug delivery systems development are directed towards a combination of several technologies (bio-inspired and molecular imprinting techniques) and materials (cyclodextrins, surfactants, specific monomers). There is a tendency to develop systems which not only prolong the contact time of the vehicle at the ocular surface, but also at the same time slow down the clearance of the drug. Different materials can be applied during the development of contact lenses and can be combined with natural inspired strategies of drug immobilization and release, providing successful tools for ocular drug delivery systems.

 

This article is open to POST-PUBLICATION REVIEW. Registered readers (see “For Readers”) may comment by clicking on ABSTRACT on the issue’s contents page.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

Downloads

Published

2015-11-09

How to Cite

Ribeiro, A. M., Figueiras, A., & Veiga, F. (2015). Improvements in Topical Ocular Drug Delivery Systems: Hydrogels and Contact Lenses. Journal of Pharmacy & Pharmaceutical Sciences, 18(5), 683–695. https://doi.org/10.18433/J3H60P

Issue

Section

Review Articles