Joanna Michoń, Wiktoria Malujda, Dorota Małgorzata Wrześniok

Modern methods of ophthalmic drug delivery utilizing nanotechnology – a review of current approaches

 

2026-08-13

Research subject. The human eye is an exceptionally complex organ, containing numerous barriers that hinder the effective action of conventional drugs. The growing number of patients suffering from ophthalmic diseases makes it necessary to develop new methods of applying ocular medications. The use of traditional preparations employed in the treatment of eye diseases is linked to numerous limitations resulting from their low bioavailability, short retention time on the eye surface, low penetration through the cornea, and the occurrence of many systemic adverse effects. Therefore, nanotechnology is becoming a promising alternative to standard therapeutic approaches. The significant improvement in the treatment efficacy occurs mainly due to the small size of nanocarriers, which allows them to easily pass through biological structures within the eye.

Research object. The aim of the review was to systematize modern therapeutic solutions in the treatment of ocular diseases and to present the benefits and challenges associated with the use of nanotechnology in ophthalmology.

Materials and methods. Scientific databases such as PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar were used in order to conduct this review. The selected papers were published between 2019 and 2025. This work was also complemented with older articles.

Results. Nanotechnology is successfully used in the production of ophthalmic preparations. Many of these medications have already been approved by the FDA and the EMA, and numerous analyses indicate increased treatment efficacy in therapies that utilize nanocarriers. A number of clinical trials are being conducted to develop new ophthalmic medications using various nanostructures as carriers for active ingredients. Such approaches are effectively applied in the treatment of many eye diseases, such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, keratitis, uveitis, age-related macular degeneration, and diabetic retinopathy.

Conclusions. Nanotechnology as a branch of science is extremely important in modern medicine and pharmacy. Despite many years of research, additional analysis is still needed to enable further progress in nanomedicine to improve safety and develop tailored therapies.

Keywords: nanoparticles, ocular drug delivery, nanotechnology, ocular barriers, nanomedicine.

© Farm Pol, 2026, 82(2): 73–83