Pharmaceutical Emulsions: A Viable Approach for Ocular Drug Delivery

J Ocul Pharmacol Ther. 2024 Apr 23. doi: 10.1089/jop.2023.0166. Online ahead of print.

Abstract

Ocular disorders can lead to serious sight impairment and irreversible blindness. Generally simple topical and systemic treatments are recommended for treating these vision-threatening illnesses. The distinctive architecture of the eye complicates ocular drug delivery. The ophthalmic emulsion formulations have been found to increase bioavailability in the eye by prolonging residence time and improving permeability through the cornea. Therefore, this study highlights ophthalmic emulsions meant for both the anterior and posterior parts of the eye while examining a wide range of ocular disorders that affect individuals globally. This review presents, in brief, recent emulsion-based patented innovations, clinical trials, and marketed emulsion formulations for ocular drug delivery, which are strengthening development of the new ophthalmic drug products for managing different ocular diseases and disorders.

Keywords: cataract; diabetic retinopathy; keratitis; ocular diseases; ophthalmic emulsions.