Abstract

Nanotechnology is playing major role in modern therapeutics for effective delivery of drugs to the troublesome target sites. Human eye presents various physiological and anatomical constraints limiting the absorption of therapeutic agent delivered on its surface by conventional ophthalmic dosage forms. Dosage form variables- like particle size, charge on drug particles, elasticity, bioadhesion and corneal surface retention can affect the absorption of the therapeutic element for ocular purposes. Various nanotechnology based systems have been developed for improving ocular therapeutics and increasing market demand has directed efforts for exploring commercial viability of nanotechnology based ocular systems. The nano-ocular therapeutic systems have been classified on the basis of their structures, properties and functionalities. The present review compiles elaborated information on the nano-ocular systems, their utilization, development considerations, intellectual and market aspects and the future prospects for ocular therapy.

Keywords: Nano-ocular systems, vesicular systems, colloidal systems, micelles, dendrimers, nanocomposites, carbon nanotubes, quantum dots