The paper begins by highlighting the growing prevalence of ocular conditions, attributed to an aging population and the widespread use of electronic devices. It underscores the historical difficulty in administering medications for eye-related issues within the realm of medicine. Despite the existence of various commercial eye drops, their efficacy is limited due to quick clearance mechanisms and ocular barriers. The paper proposes a promising solution to this challenge—the use of contact lenses as a vehicle for medication delivery. The focus then shifts to therapeutic contact lenses designed for ocular medication delivery, emphasizing their potential to enhance ocular bioavailability and patient compliance while minimizing side effects. The authors stress the importance of not compromising essential features such as water content, optical transparency, and modulus to achieve positive in vitro and in vivo outcomes for sustained drug delivery. Recognizing difficulties such as drug stability and burst release, the paper addresses the potential hindrances posed by changes in the physico-chemical features of lenses caused by therapeutic or non-therapeutic components. To overcome these challenges, the research community has explored bioinspired techniques and smart materials. The bioinspired method involves the use of polymeric materials and a specialized molecule-recognition technique called molecular imprinting or a stimuli-responsive system to enhance biocompatibility and support the drug delivery efficacy of drug-eluting contact lenses. The review then delves into various strategies, including material design, lens manufacturing, and drug impregnation, all within the current landscape of ophthalmic therapies. It concludes by projecting a forward-looking perspective on future opportunities in the field of eye condition management through the use of active principle-eluting contact lenses. Overall, the paper provides a comprehensive exploration of the challenges, advancements, and potential breakthroughs in the development and utilization of drug-eluting contact lenses for ocular medication delivery.
Published Paper_Advances in Therapeutic Contact Lenses for the Management of Different Ocular ConditionsDownload