Nanotechnology and Nanomaterials in Ophthalmic Drug Delivery

The anatomical barriers and physiological clearance mechanisms on the ocular surface have presented enormous challenges for development of ocular drug delivery devices. More invasive methods, such as intravitreal injections, can improve the ocular bioavailability of therapeutic agents but often result in vision-threatening side effects. Recently, an increasing number of scientists have turned to nanomaterial-based drug delivery systems to address the challenges faced by conventional methods. This chapter highlights the recent applications of various nanomaterials, such as polymeric micelles, hydrogels, liposomes, niosomes, dendrimers, and cyclodextrins as ophthalmic drug delivery systems to enhance the ocular bioavailability of therapeutic agents.