Abstract

CURRENT TRENDS ON OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEM

Karbhari Vilas N.* and Warad T. A

ABSTRACT

Topical administration for ocular therapeutics is ideal because of smaller doses required compared to the systemic use, its rapid onset of action and freedom from systemic toxicity Topically applied ocular drugs have to reach the inner parts of the eye and trans corneal penetration is believed to be the major route for drug absorption. Corneal absorption is much slower process than elimination. The specific aim of designing a therapeutic system is to achieve an optimal concentration of a drug at the active site for the appropriate duration. Ideal ophthalmic drug delivery must be able to sustain the drug release and to remain in the vicinity of front of the eye for prolong period of time. The purpose of this review is to provide an update on the current knowledge within this field of ocular drug delivery. Ocular drug delivery has been a major challenge for scientists due to its unique anatomy and physiology which contains various types of barriers such as different layers of cornea, sclera and retina including blood aqueous and blood–retinalbarriers, choroid and conjunctival blood flow etc. These barriers cause a significant challenge for delivery of a drug alone or in a dosage form, especially to the posterior segment of the eye. To overcome these problems, the newly developed particulate and vesicular systems like liposomes, pharmacosomes and discoes are useful in delivering the drug for a longer extent and helpful in reaching the systemic circulation.

Keywords: ocular drug delivery, ophthalmic chemotherapy, Subconjunctival, Intravitreal, Nasolacrimal drainage system.