Nanotechnology and glaucoma: a review of the potential implications of glaucoma nanomedicine

Abstract

The purpose of this review is to discuss the evolution of nanotechnology and its potential diagnostic and therapeutic applications in the field of ophthalmology, particularly as it pertains to glaucoma. We reviewed literature using MEDLINE and PubMed databases with the following search terms: glaucoma, nanotechnology, nanomedicine, nanoparticles, ophthalmology and liposomes. We also reviewed pertinent references from articles found in this search. A brief history of nanotechnology and nanomedicine will be covered, followed by a discussion of the advantages and concerns of using this technology in the field of glaucoma. We will look at various studies concerning the development of nanomedicine, its potential applications in ocular drug delivery, diagnostic and imaging modalities and, surgical techniques. In particular, the challenges of assuring safety and efficacy of nanomedicine will be examined. We conclude that nanotechnology offers a novel approach to expanding diagnostic, imaging and surgical modalities in glaucoma and may contribute to the knowledge of disease pathogenesis at a molecular level. However, more research is needed to better elucidate the mechanism of cellular entry, the potential for nanoparticle cytotoxicity and the assurance of clinical efficacy.

Nanosponge-Mediated Drug Delivery Lowers Intraocular Pressure

“…Although more studies using our NS are required, we do feel the data presented here add to the growing body of work examining more effective ocular drug delivery methods for the treatment of diseases, like glaucoma and AMD. 24,[49][50][51][52][53][54] Compared to noncompliant patients, patients who adhere to treatment plans have lower ocular pressures, less disc cupping, and less visual field loss over time. 13 Given that glaucoma progresses to blindness, and this progression occurs faster with no treatment, one would think adherence rates for glaucoma therapy would be quite high.…”

“…52 Due to these challenges, more efficient drug delivery systems are being developed for ocular tissues that include ocular inserts, lipid-based nanocarriers, nanoparticles, and punctum inserts. 24,[49][50][51][52][53][54] Recent studies using topically applied nanoparticles loaded with ocular hypotensive drugs have shown promise. For example, topical administration of nanoparticles (256 nm) containing the carbonic anhydrase inhibitor methazolamide lowered IOP for 18 hours, with the maximal effect observed 2 to 8 hours after dosing.…”

Medical Treatment of Primary Canine Glaucoma

“…130 Coated nanoparticles have also been used to deliver medications directly to the intraocular milieu, an approach analogous to the administration of vascular endothelial growth factor inhibitors for the treatment of age-related macular degeneration in humans. 131,132 Moreover, researchers in the burgeoning fields of gene and stem cell therapies are reporting encouraging results for ameliorating the effects of glaucoma, with these modalities likely yielding novel therapeutic options in the upcoming years. [133][134][135] SUMMARY Glaucoma is a painful and blinding group of diseases with no cure.…”

Technological Developments in Health Care and Exercise Sciences

“…: 10.7198/S2318-3403201600030082 been suggested for psychiatric (Fond, Macgregor, & Miot, 2013;Fond & Miot, 2013) use and it is currently being applied to several forms of oral cancer (Calixto, Bernegossi, Fonseca-Santos, & Chorilli, 2014), skin treatments (Antonio, Antonio, Cardeal, Ballavenuto, & Oliveira, 2014), blood (Ilinskaya & Dobrovolskaia, 2013), eye (N. J. Kim et al, 2014), rheumatologic and immune diseases (Henderson, Madison, & Shah, 2014).…”