Title:A Comprehensive Review on the Role of Polymers in Ocular Drug
Delivery
Volume: 21
Issue: 1
Author(s): Paramjot, Sheetu Wadhwa*, Arun Sharma, Sachin Kumar Singh, Sukriti Vishwas, Rajesh Kumar, Saurabh Singh, Kamal Dua, Dinesh Kumar Chellappan and Gaurav Gupta
Affiliation:
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Lovely Professional University, Phagwara -144411, Punjab, India
Keywords:
Ocular polymers, ocular bioavailability, ocular retention time, novel ocular drug delivery systems, high viscosity, lacrimal glands.
Abstract:
Amongst different routes of drug delivery systems, ophthalmic drug delivery still requires a
careful investigation and strict parameter measurements because the eyes are one of the most sensitive
parts of the body and require special attention. The conventional systems for eyes lead to rapid elimination
of formulation and hence very small contact time on the ocular epithelium. The current review article
covers various types of polymers used in ocular drug delivery along with their applications/
limitations. Polymers are widely used by researchers in prodrug techniques and as a penetration
enhancer in ocular delivery. This article covers the role and use of different polymeric systems which
makes the final formulation a promising candidate for ophthalmic drug delivery.
The researchers are still facing multiple challenges in order to maintain the therapeutic concentration of
the drug in the eyes because of its complex structure. There are several barriers that further restrict the
intraocular entry of the drug. In order to remove/reduce such challenges, these days various types of
polymers are used for ocular delivery in order to develop different drug carrier systems for better efficacy
and stability. The polymers used are highly helpful in increasing residence time by increasing the
viscosity at the ocular epithelium layer. Such preparations also get easily permeated in ocular cells. The
combination of different polymeric properties makes the final formulation stable with prolonged retention,
high viscosity, high permeability, and better bioavailability, making the final formulation a promising
candidate for ocular drug delivery.