https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4841-0140
![Sample our Bioscience journals, sign in here to start your access, Latest two full volumes FREE to you for 14 days]({"type":"image" , "src" : "/sda/5925/TOC-Subject-Sample-2021-Bioscience.jpg"})
Abstract
Ophthalmic diseases can result in permanent vision loss and blindness. Convenient topical and systemic treatments are preferred to address these sight-threatening conditions. However, the unique anatomy of the eye presents challenges for drug delivery. Various ophthalmic ointment formulations have been developed to enhance bioavailability in the eye to prolong residence time and improve corneal permeability. This article explores a wide range of ocular diseases affecting individuals globally and how ointments are used to manage them. From eye to ocular barriers, this review focuses on published scientific research and formulation strategies for severe ocular complications using conventional topical ointments. Additionally, it delves through patented technologies and marketed formulations supporting the use of ointments in ocular drug delivery.
Plain language summary
Eye illnesses can cause blindness. The treatment is tricky due to eye's complex makeup. This paper talks about eye ointments also known as ‘creams’ or ‘pomades’ used to deliver medicine to the eye. These creams make the medicine work better by staying in the eye longer and absorbing faster. The present work looks at different eye problems and talks about ointments used to treat both internal and external eye diseases. It also explains how the eye is built and why it is hard for medicine to get in. There is also an information about ointments that have been discovered with some new ideas and those available in the market to cure eye problems.
Ophthalmic ailments
In recent era of rapid evolution, various aspects of life are advancing swiftly, including the understanding and management of diseases and disorders affecting the eye.
Ophthalmic diseases, influenced by factors such as bacterial and fungal infections, aging, and overall quality of life, stand out prominently among health concerns.
Conventional ocular drug-delivery system
Conventional drug delivery systems in ophthalmology primarily consist of liquid and semi-solid formulations, including drops, suspensions, emulsions and ointments.
Gels and ointments play a crucial role in extending the residence time of formulations within the ocular cavity, thereby enhancing therapeutic efficacy.
Ointments, being conventional, offer several advantages over others with longer residence, no tear dilution, and improved bioavailability.
Ocular anatomy & barriers
The eye, a highly intricate organ, is divided into two segments: the anterior and posterior segments. These segments present various barriers that challenge drug delivery to the eye including the tear film, cornea, and blood–ocular barriers, significantly limits the bioavailability of drugs intended for ocular delivery.
Ointments for ophthalmic disease management
The work is centered around the application of ointments to enhance therapeutic delivery for the management of various ophthalmic conditions, including fungal keratitis, glaucoma, dry eye disease, among others. This focus is supported by data derived from existing literature, ensuring the credibility and reliability of the findings presented.
Patented technologies & marketed formulation
As ointment formulations have shown considerable efficacy in addressing a diverse array of ocular conditions. The special highlights were given toward patented ophthalmic ointments, encompassing those currently undergoing clinical trials or already completed, alongside formulations available in the market.
Future perspective
In the future, ointments could evolve to become more patient-centric, leveraging advancements in nanotechnology and bioengineering to enhance their effectiveness and applicability.
Acknowledgments
AC Bisen is thankful to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) for providing the research fellowship. The CSIR-CDRI communication number assigned to this article is 10777.
Author contributions
AC Bisen and A Dubey: Conceptualized, reviewed the literature, drawn figures, drafted, edited and proof-read the manuscript. S Agrawal, A Biswas, KS Rawat and S Srivastava: Editing and proof-reading. RS Bhatta: Guided in the content-making and reviewed the manuscript.
Financial disclosure
The authors have no financial involvement with any organization or entity with a financial interest in or financial conflict with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript. This includes employment, consultancies, honoraria, stock ownership or options, expert testimony, grants or patents received or pending, or royalties.
Competing interests disclosure
The authors have no competing interests or relevant affiliations with any organization or entity with the subject matter or materials discussed in the manuscript.
Writing disclosure
No writing assistance was utilized in the production of this manuscript.