Principles of pharmacology in the eye

The eye is a highly specialized organ that is subject to a huge range of pathology. Both local and systemic disease may affect different anatomical regions of the eye. The least invasive routes for ocular drug administration are topical (e.g. eye drops) and systemic (e.g. tablets) formulations. Barr...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:British journal of pharmacology 2017-12, Vol.174 (23), p.4205-4223
Main Authors: Awwad, Sahar, Mohamed Ahmed, Abeer H A, Sharma, Garima, Heng, Jacob S, Khaw, Peng T, Brocchini, Steve, Lockwood, Alastair
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Administration, Ophthalmic
Animals
Bioavailability
Biological Availability
Conjunctiva
Controlled release
Cornea
Delayed-Action Preparations
Developmental stages
Drainage measurement
Drainage systems
Drug Carriers - chemistry
Drug delivery
Drug Delivery Systems
Drug Design
Endophthalmitis
Eye
Eye - metabolism
Eye Diseases - drug therapy
Formulations
Gene therapy
Humans
Nanotechnology
Nanotechnology - methods
Ophthalmic Solutions
pH effects
Pharmacology
Polarity
Retina
Review
Sustained release
Tablets
Tearing
Viscosity
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Summary:The eye is a highly specialized organ that is subject to a huge range of pathology. Both local and systemic disease may affect different anatomical regions of the eye. The least invasive routes for ocular drug administration are topical (e.g. eye drops) and systemic (e.g. tablets) formulations. Barriers that subserve as protection against pathogen entry also restrict drug permeation. Topically administered drugs often display limited bioavailability due to many physical and biochemical barriers including the pre‐corneal tear film, the structure and biophysiological properties of the cornea, the limited volume that can be accommodated by the cul‐de‐sac, the lacrimal drainage system and reflex tearing. The tissue layers of the cornea and conjunctiva are further key factors that act to restrict drug delivery. Using carriers that enhance viscosity or bind to the ocular surface increases bioavailability. Matching the pH and polarity of drug molecules to the tissue layers allows greater penetration. Drug delivery to the posterior segment is a greater challenge and, currently, the standard route is via intravitreal injection, notwithstanding the risks of endophthalmitis and retinal detachment with frequent injections. Intraocular implants that allow sustained drug release are at different stages of development. Novel exciting therapeutic approaches include methods for promoting transscleral delivery, sustained release devices, nanotechnology and gene therapy.
ISSN:0007-1188
1476-5381
DOI:10.1111/bph.14024