Topical drug delivery devices: A review

Polysaccharides in Ocular Drug Delivery

“…These inserts are placed topically in the lower fornix and, less frequently, in the upper fornix or on the cornea. The initial discomfort upon administration is a disadvantage that arises from their solid state; other disadvantages include possible movement around the eye, occasional inadvertent loss during sleep or while rubbing the eyes, interference with vision, and generally difficult placement (and removal, for insoluble devices) [93,94]. Ocusert is a delicate, insoluble, and non-degradable reservoir device that is filled with sufficient pilocarpine for 1 week of use, whereas Lacrisert is a soluble mini rod of nonmedicated hydroxypropyl cellulose that dissolves within 24 h for the treatment of dry-eye syndromes [95].…”

Prevention and treatment of cystoid macular edema after cataract surgery

“…63 However, previous studies have shown that non-compliance with eye drops is much higher than the average ophthalmologist may suspect. Studies investigating the compliance in glaucoma patients report self-reported non-adherence in 39.2% of patients, as opposed to an ophthalmologist-noticed non-compliance in only 2.1% of patients.…”

“…66 A high drug concentration in the tear film is required to achieve adequate intraocular concentrations, which often leads to ocular side effects. 63 These findings are only some of the many reasons why ophthalmologists have investigated the possibility of dropless cataract surgery. Dropless drug administration can be achieved using a variety of application methods, such as subconjunctival, subtenon, intracameral and intravitreous injections.…”

“…Suboptimal treatment with anti-inflammatory eye drops is also caused by incorrect instillation, particularly in the elderly cataract surgery population. 63,64 Homecare services are frequently involved to correctly instill the prescribed eye drops, which significantly increases the costs of postoperative care. In the subset of patients who adequately instill the prescribed eye drops, less than 3-5% of the instilled drug quantity reaches the aqueous humor.…”

“…In the subset of patients who adequately instill the prescribed eye drops, less than 3-5% of the instilled drug quantity reaches the aqueous humor. 63,65 Aqueous drug concentrations vary widely after topical drug administration. 66 A high drug concentration in the tear film is required to achieve adequate intraocular concentrations, which often leads to ocular side effects.…”