Silver nanoparticles: a new frontier in ophthalmic innovation and treatment

In recent years, the application of nanotechnology in biomedicine has been extensively studied. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), a novel type of nanomaterial, have garnered increasing attention in the field of ophthalmology because of their unique antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing properties. The research and development of AgNPs are driving innovations in ophthalmic treatment technologies and offering new solutions to address the challenges posed by traditional treatment methods. This article reviews the methods used to synthesize AgNPs, including physical, chemical, and biological approaches. A comprehensive literature search was performed in the PubMed and Web of Science databases for studies published up to 2025. Furthermore, it focuses on the applications of AgNPs in ophthalmology, including anti-infection, wound healing, antiangiogenic, and drug delivery systems. Finally, this article highlights the development trends and challenges of the use of AgNPs in ophthalmology, providing a theoretical basis and research direction for their future clinical application in this field.