COMPREHENSIVE NARRATIVE REVIEW ON NANOTECHNOLOGY FOR THE TREATMENT OF GLAUCOMA

Pragati B. Hasbe*, Akshay N. Chandewar, Dr. P. R. Dhapke, Dr. N. N. Dhoble, Dr. N. N. Padole and Dr. J. R. Baheti

ABSTRACT

Glaucoma, characterized by its asymptomatic nature, particularly in the later stages, is globally acknowledged as a leading cause of irreversible vision impairment. The intricate and highly sensitive nature of the human eye poses a formidable challenge in the context of drug delivery. Glaucoma, characterized by an elevation in intraocular pressure within the aqueous humor, is not only elusive in its presentation but can also result in irreversible blindness for many individuals. Existing formulations of anti-glaucoma drugs available in the market encounter challenges related to either difficulty in traversing the blood-retinal barrier or exhibiting lower systemic bioavailability. Consequently, drugs with a lower therapeutic index necessitate frequent administration, leading to the accumulation of concentrated solutions at the ocular site. This, in turn, gives rise to potential toxic effects and cellular damage within the eye. Nanotechnology-based interventions hold the potential to overcome the constraints associated with existing glaucoma treatments by offering refined targeted drug delivery, enhanced bioavailability, and controlled release mechanisms. This review comprehensively explores recent advancements in strategies for glaucoma treatment employing nanotechnology.

Keywords: Glaucoma, Treatment, Ocular drug delivery, Nanotechnology, Application.