Ocular Pharmacology and Drug Delivery Systems

Drug administration to the eye faces multiple physiological barriers, making the development of efficient delivery routes a significant challenge in ocular pharmacology and drug delivery systems. While eye drops remain common, they often fail to reach therapeutic concentrations in posterior segment tissues. Newer delivery methods—such as microparticle-based systems, ocular inserts, and intravitreal implants—have emerged to address this issue with enhanced precision and sustained release. Innovations in gene-carrying vectors and hydrogels are expanding possibilities for site-specific delivery and longer drug retention. Personalized ocular pharmacotherapy is also gaining ground, aiming to optimize dosing based on patient-specific characteristics and disease profiles. Furthermore, balancing efficacy with safety, particularly in chronic conditions requiring long-term medication, remains central to clinical application. This growing field combines materials science, nanotechnology, and pharmacokinetics to redefine how eye diseases are managed.