Eye Drops to smart gels: The future of ocular drug delivery

This review paper assesses traditional and modern methods to enhance ocular drug delivery. Various techniques available to administer drugs include topical application, intracameral injections, intravitreal injections, and subconjunctival injections. In Addition, this review discusses eye anatomy and the associated challenges with effectively delivering medications to this organ. It emphasizes recent progress in Ophthalmic drug delivery methods, such as on-situ gel systems, nanoparticles, liposomes, and dendrimers, which improve drug retention, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy. The article also explores potential improvements in drug delivery for treating eye disorders by utilizing nanotechnology and stimulus-responsive gels to improve patient outcomes. The goal is to achieve targeted and continuous release. Keywords: Ocular drug delivery, in-situ gel, nano formulation, prolonged release