Search Results (4)

Over 2.2 billion people across the globe face significant barriers to accessing essential ophthalmic care, with elderly, rural, and refugee populations being disproportionately affected, deepening existing disparities in eye care. Three-dimensional printing is a novel technology that has the potential to transform the field and improve access by alleviating many patient-specific barriers. This article delves into the evolution of 3D printing within ophthalmology, highlighting its current applications and future potential. It explores various 3D printing techniques and numerous biomaterials discussing their effectiveness in creating advanced solutions such as bioengineered corneas, ocular prosthetics, and innovative treatments for dry eye syndrome, from punctal plugs to lacrimal gland models. Additionally, 3D printing has revolutionized drug delivery systems for conditions like glaucoma, retinal diseases, and ocular brachytherapy. Whether through 3D printed contact lens-based drug delivery systems or polycaprolactone implants that biodegrade and provide sustained drug release without adverse effects, these systems hold immense potential in the field. Despite its promise, the integration of 3D printing into clinical practice presents challenges, which the article addresses alongside strategies for overcoming them. By mapping out the technological advancements and challenges, this review offers a roadmap for enhancing global eye care accessibility and improving patient outcomes on a global scale. Full article

Glaucoma is one of the world’s leading causes of blindness, and its management is challenging. The main objective is to lower intraocular pressure through medical, para-surgical, and surgical therapy. Medical therapy often represents the first line of treatment. Although effective in many cases, the eye drops are accompanied by significant problems. They require high patient compliance and can be associated with various side effects, limiting their efficacy. Consequently, the research for new drug delivery systems trying to overcome these limitations is ongoing: numerous devices are developing and gradually entering clinical practice. These new therapeutic options may offer better control of the intraocular pressure, with fewer side effects, and are less dependent on patients’ compliance. Hence, the research in this field continues to flourish. This review summarizes the most recent findings in the scientific literature, underlines the role and possible limitations of the new glaucoma drug delivery systems in clinical practice, and recognizes their new horizons and perspectives. Full article

Dry eye disease (DED) is an emerging health issue affecting millions of individuals annually. Ocular surface disorders, such as DED, are characterized by inflammation triggered by various factors. This condition can lead to tear deficiencies, resulting in the desiccation of the ocular surface, corneal ulceration/perforation, increased susceptibility to infections, and a higher risk of severe visual impairment and blindness. Currently, the clinical management of DED primarily relies on supportive and palliative measures, including the frequent and lifelong use of different lubricating agents. While some advancements like punctal plugs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and salivary gland autografts have been attempted, they have shown limited effectiveness. Recently, there have been promising developments in the treatment of DED, including biomaterials such as nano-systems, hydrogels, and contact lenses for drug delivery, cell-based therapies, biological approaches, and tissue-based regenerative therapy. This article specifically explores the different strategies reported so far for treating DED. The aim is to discuss their potential as long-term cures for DED while also considering the factors that limit their feasibility and effectiveness. These advancements offer hope for more effective and sustainable treatment options in the future. Full article

Current glaucoma management modalities are hindered by low patient compliance and adherence. This can be due to highly complex treatment strategies or poor patient understanding. Treatments focus on the management or reduction of intraocular pressure. This is most commonly done through the use of daily topical eye drops. Unfortunately, despite effective therapies, glaucoma continues to progress, possibly due to patients not adhering to their treatments. In order to mitigate these patient compliance issues, many sustained release treatments are being researched and are entering the clinic. Conjunctival, subconjunctival, and intravitreal inserts, punctal plugs, and drug depots are currently in clinical development. Each delivery system has hurdles, yet shows promise and could potentially mitigate the current problems associated with poor patient compliance. Full article