Revolutionizing Ocular Drug Delivery: Emerging Strategies for Targeted Therapy

Abstract: Significant advancement has been made in the field of optical drug discovery, addressing issues like limited penetration and low bioavailability. Novel ways of administration are essential for improving medication targeting and therapeutic results. Strategies such as nanotechnology- based carriers, hydrogels, microneedles, and implantable devices, including intravitreal implants and biodegradable inserts, ensure long-term drug administration, reduce the need for frequent dosing, and enable controlled and sustained drug release, thereby ensuring localized delivery while minimizing systemic exposure. In particular, carriers like liposomes, dendrimers, or polymeric nanoparticles have demonstrated significant potential for targeting posterior ocular tissues. At the same time, therapeutic precision has improved thanks to bio-responsive systems that dispel medications in response to particular physiological triggers. Regulatory compliance and patient-centric considerations, including non-invasive methods, are integral to ensuring the successful clinical translation of these technologies. This review explores the latest innovations in ocular drug delivery, focusing on their mechanisms, therapeutic applications, and translational potential in addressing unmet clinical needs in ophthalmology. By integrating cutting-edge technologies with innovative delivery approaches, the future of ocular therapeutics promises improved precision, efficacy, and patient outcomes.