Contact lenses as drug-delivery systems: a promising therapeutic tool

Abstract

The ocular administration of drugs using traditional pharmaceutical forms, including eye drops or ointments, results in low bioavailability, as well as requiring multiple administrations per day, with the consequent danger of therapeutic non-compliance. Although, through the use of pharmaceutical technology, attempts have been made to use various solutions in order to increase bioavailability in the most common pharmaceutical forms, it has not been entirely satisfactory. In this context, contact lenses are presented as drug delivery systems that largely remedy these two major problems and offer other additional advantages. Therefore, the use of contact lenses as drug carrying systems has been increasingly investigated in recent years, as they can increase the bioavailability of these drugs, leading to an increase in therapeutic efficacy and compliance.The main techniques used to achieve this goal are included in this review, including immersion in drug solutions, use of vitamin E barriers, molecular printing, colloidal systems, etc. The most interesting results, depending on the different eye pathologies, are presented.Although the use of contact lenses as a vehicle for the release of active ingredients is a relatively novel strategy, there are already many studies and trials that support it. In any case, further research needs to be carried out to finally reach an effective, safe, and stable product that can be marketed.

Biodegradable Nanoparticle for Cornea Drug Delivery: Focus Review

“…Moreover, it has been reported that CLs were applied as posterior segment disease management [ 30 ]. Anti-inflammatory, antimicrobials, immunosuppressants, corticoids, and ocular pressure lowering agents can be loaded in contact lenses and used for the treatment of various diseases [ 31 ]. These CLs should have cytocompatibility, comfort, and prolonged release.…”

Review of the latest solutions in the use of contact lenses as controlled release systems for ophthalmic drugs

“…Holgado et al discussed the subject of design requirements of lenses, various strategies for their production, and concentrations of drug required to obtain the appropriate release of the drug substance. 1 Peral et al reviewed different techniques of treating glaucoma with the use of lenses with applied drugs. 2 Franco and De Marco performed a comprehensive review of several methods employing contact lenses as controlled drug release systems.…”

Recent Advances in New Copolymer Hydrogel‐Formed Contact Lenses for Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

“…In addition to the correction of myopia and cosmetics, CLs have also been emerged as a drug delivery platform for many years [6–9] . Many advantages of using CLs in drug loading and release have been successfully demonstrated in a diverse biomaterial system, including good biocompatibility, more suitable viscosity for drug formulation and higher bioavailability with a prolonged drug release [10–12] . Therefore, CLs are envisioned as high potential candidates for practical administration in ocular drug delivery [13,14] …”