A recent update on therapeutic potential of vesicular system against fungal keratitis

Abstract

Fungal keratitis (FK) is a highly invasive and challenging corneal infection that can be deadly if not treated well. Aspergillus, Fusarium, and Candida are the most common causative agents among 105 species of fungi; likewise, the use of contact lenses with improper care may inherit FK. Aggravation of corneal infection because of poor diagnosis and inappropriate treatment can persuade permanent blindness, and its severity could be fatal. Currently, topical eye drops containing antifungal agents are widely used against FK. The top horse treatment choice includes conventional formulations of natamycin, fluconazole, voriconazole, and itraconazole. However, these eye drops are associated with the principal disadvantage of frequent instillation, to maintain desired bioavailability in the eye sac, resulting in substantial drug loss via nasolacrimal drainage. Increased residence time and prolonged or controlled drug release are the requirements for effective FK treatment, which the utilization of novel drug carriers can fulfill. However, liposomes gained enormous attention as they can trap both hydrophilic and hydrophobic drugs. In this review, we have briefly discussed the anatomy of the eye, pathogenesis, and challenges to treating FK, approved antifungal drug classes and focused on the recent developments in the liposomal formulation as a potential drug carrier for FK treatment.