The Future of Nanomaterials Tackling the Challenge of Delivering Nucleic Acids to the Retina

Abstract Ocular gene therapy targets eye diseases at the genetic level. Systemic transport of nucleic acids to ocular tissues poses a significant challenge, as the effectiveness of crossing the blood‐retina barrier limits nucleic acid penetration. Therefore, local administration, such as topical, periocular, or intraocular, can improve the outcome of in vivo gene therapy by bypassing the first‐pass effect and minimizing the systemic toxic effects. The eye is an immune‐privileged organ with limited local immune response, making it an ideal candidate for local gene therapy. Ocular gene therapy offers a promising solution for the treatment of a wide range of retinal diseases including age‐related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, retinitis pigmentosa, and Leber congenital amaurosis. Gene therapy enables replacement of mutated genes essential for visual function, delivery of genes expressing neurotrophic factors and anti‐apoptosis factors for retinal degeneration, and delivery of genes expressing anti‐angiogenic proteins for ocular neovascularization. This perspective discusses the potential of nanoparticles for nucleic acid delivery to the retina, explores challenges, and evaluates different delivery methods, including non‐viral agents such as liposomes and polymers. These nonviral agents present advantages over traditional viral vectors, showing promise in overcoming limitations and offering a viable option for retinal gene therapy.