Nanomedicine and Ophthalmology: looking forward

Abstract

PurposeNanomedicine has been receiving greater attention in recent years due to the ability to use materials and devices at the size of intracellular structures and molecules, involving systems in the order of <100 nm. In particular, nanosized materials can provide substantial advantages when compared to current therapeutics that are used in the treatment of ocular diseases. Nanotechnology‐based approaches are being explored in order to enhance drug permeation, to control mechanisms of drug release and to improve the action of nanocarriers with specific targeting moieties. From biopharmaceuticals to continuous intraocular pressure biosensors and tissue regeneration, nanotechnology provides an impressive range of possibilities to explore and improve patient care.MethodsHerein, we review the most recent literature regarding nanotechnology applications in ophthalmology, highlighting their advantages and challenges to overcome, prospecting them in terms of clinical utility.ResultsNanocarriers, nanodevices and nanostructured biocoatings with applications in the treatment of ocular diseases are resumed and their impact in the evolution of ophthalmology is discussed. We present a recent study about nanostructured films composed of drugs encapsulated in nanocarriers with applications in glaucoma treatment. Our results suggest that nanocarriers improve drug delivery and that specific drug amounts can be released during controlled periods of time.ConclusionsOur research emphasizes new trends and applications of nanodevices in ophthalmology. Nanomedicine is definitely part of a paradigm shift in healthcare providing, making it possible to reach excellence in ophthalmological diagnosis and therapeutics.AcknowledgementsThe authors thank FCT–Portugal for financial support under the project UID/EEA/50008/2013 and Post‐Doc grant to QF.