Abstract

CONTACT LENSES: AN EMERGING TOOL IN OPHTHALMIC DRUG DELIVERY SYSTEMS

Akshara V. Anil*

ABSTRACT

Even if the field of Drug delivery systems has undergone numerous improvements and innovations in the contemporary 21st century, eye drops are still the first treatment that comes to mind for any ocular problems. About 90% of the drugs are administered in the form of eye drops. Very practical and convenient method of medicine administration but the ocular bioavailability of medications given as eye drops is low because 95% of active ingredient is lost through tear drainage and there are many anatomical barriers, including the blood aqueous and blood retinal barriers, that prevent the correct and permeation of medications into the eye. These detrimental effects of eye drops can be diminished by the emerging use of contact lenses as ophthalmic drug delivery systems. Contact lenses are thin lenses placed directly on the surface of the eyes to correct vision, for cosmetic purposes, or, in current scenario, for therapeutic reasons. They provide unique advantages like less medication loss, extended wear, and greater than 50% bioavailability. The current review provides information on various techniques to deliver medications through contact lenses, examining their advantages and disadvantages, and their relevant characterization methodologies.

Keywords: Therapeutic contact lens, Critical lens property, Ophthalmic drug delivery, Sustained drug delivery.