An antibiotic releasing contact lens

Abstract Purpose To characterize a drug‐eluting contact lens designed to release ciprofloxacin to the eye in a controlled manner for an extended period of time. Methods Thin fiilms, containing ciprofloxacin or fluorescein encapsulated in PLGA (Poly[lactic‐co‐glycolic acid]), were coating by pHEMA (poly[hydroxyethyl methacrylate]) by ultraviolet light polymerization, creating prototype contact lenses. The films were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. Release studies were conducted in phosphate buffered saline at 37°C with continuous shaking. Ciprofloxacin eluted from the contact lens was studied in an antimicrobial assay to verify antimicrobial effectiveness. Results Ciprofloxacin and fluorescein were released from the contact lenses in a controlled manner, demonstrating zero‐order release kinetics under infinite sink conditions for over 4 weeks. The rate of drug release was controlled by modifying either the ratio of drug to PLGA or the molecular weight of the PLGA employed. Both the PLGA and the pHEMA affected release kinetics. Ciprofloxacin released from the contact lenses inhibited ciprofloxacin‐sensitive Staphylococcus aureus at all time‐points tested. Conclusion A thin drug‐PLGA film coated with pHEMA could potentially be used to create contact lenses which can serve as a platform for ocular delivery of antibiotics and other medications, with widespread therapeutic applications.