Meenakshi K. Chauhan, Divya Sharma and Sanjay Arora
ABSTRACT
Posterior segment of the human eye remains the focal target of majority of diseases and disorders risking reduced visual activity or blindness. Successful targeting of posterior segment of the eye has been explored using various biodegradable and non-biodegradable implants, and direct intervention using injections, with exemplary effect. But, often these models are affiliated with serious complications, namely vitreous haemorrhage, retinal detachment, cataract, and endophthalmitis. Novel lipid and polymer based carrier loaded drug delivery systems along with the improved drug delivery techniques such as dendrimers, iontophoresis, microneedles etc., more compliant with the frangible structure of human eye, are part of the revolutionised targeting strategies to the posterior eye. These profound, sustained drug delivery strategies can also be successfully modulated to improve the bioavailability of the drug in posterior segment of human eye. As a result, the uncomplicated topical administration using such novel drug delivery systems is currently under vigorous experimental scrutiny.
Keywords: Routes of delivery, Barriers, Posterior eye disorders, Biomaterials, Liposomes, Nanoparticles, Nanomicelles, Implants, Contact Lenses, Iontophoresis, Gene delivery