Chapter 10 - Lipid-based nanotherapeutic interventions for the treatment of ocular diseases: current status and future perspectives

Abstract

The complex structure and nature of the eye represent a major challenge for the ocular delivery of therapeutics. The reduced residence time with enhanced frequency of administration of the conventional dosage forms as well as the toxicity associated with systemic administration of drugs in high doses necessitates the development of novel drug carriers for ocular delivery. Among the different novel carriers, lipid-based nanocarriers offer an attractive alternative for ocular drug delivery. These novel carriers help circumvent the different ocular barriers and efficiently overcome the drawbacks associated with conventional ophthalmic dosage forms. Besides this, their ease of formulation, lack of irritancy, and ability to provide enhanced residence time of the drug in the eye with the potential to provide a controlled release of the entrapped drug have made them an area of interest for the ocular delivery of drugs worldwide. A number of lipidic nanocarriers have been explored globally for the delivery of drugs for ocular application with enhanced bioavailability and safety. The chapter compiles the various lipidic carriers used for ocular use.