Curcumin in ocular diseases: therapeutic potential, mechanisms of action, and innovative delivery systems

Background: Curcumin, a natural polyphenol derived from Curcuma longa L., has gained considerable attention in ophthalmology because of its potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. This review evaluates the therapeutic potential of curcumin in ocular diseases and explores innovative strategies to enhance its bioavailability. Methods: A comprehensive search was conducted in four major electronic databases—PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science, and Google Scholar—using keywords related to curcumin, ophthalmology, and drug delivery systems. Studies published in English up to March 10, 2025, were included. Relevant articles were selected based on their focus on the therapeutic effects of curcumin and the application of advanced delivery methods. Results: Curcumin shows promising therapeutic potential in various ocular conditions due to its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-angiogenic properties. Studies highlight its beneficial effects in corneal neovascularization, promoting corneal wound healing, and dry eye disease. It also demonstrates efficacy against allergic and bacterial conjunctivitis, pterygium recurrence, anterior uveitis, and cataracts. Moreover, curcumin may be beneficial in glaucoma, age-related macular degeneration (AMD), and diabetic retinopathy, offering a multi-targeted approach to preserving vision and ocular health. However, its poor bioavailability remains a major limitation. Strategies to overcome this challenge include the development of structural analogs, bioavailability enhancers, and advanced drug delivery systems such as nanoparticles, liposomal systems, micelles, hydrogel-based systems, and nanoemulsions, all of which may enhance the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of curcumin. Conclusions: Curcumin has garnered attention in ophthalmology because of its multifaceted therapeutic properties, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, apoptosis regulating, antibacterial, and immunomodulatory actions. These properties have demonstrated promising results, highlighting the potential of curcumin in treating various ophthalmic conditions. Despite the promising potential of curcumin in ophthalmic therapies, addressing its poor bioavailability by using innovative drug delivery systems is crucial for maximizing its clinical efficacy. To address these challenges, substantial research has focused on enhancing the bioavailability of curcumin through the development of structural analogs, bioavailability enhancers, and advanced drug delivery systems. Innovative formulations, including nanoparticles, liposomal systems, micellar solutions, hydrogel-based systems, nanoemulsions, microspheres, and transferosomes, are promising approaches to improve the stability, bioavailability, and controlled release of curcumin, offering a hopeful avenue for its future application in ocular therapies.