Nanospanlastic vesicles as novel strategies for enhancing anti-glaucoma drug bioavailability
Author(s):
Siddharth Kesharwani and Poonam Maurya
Abstract:
Glaucoma is a progressive optic neuropathy characterized by retinal ganglion cell death, optic disc cupping, and irreversible vision loss, ranking as the second leading cause of global blindness after cataracts, with an estimated 80 million cases worldwide as of 2020 a figure projected to exceed 111 million by 2040 due to aging populations and rising life expectancies in low- and middle-income countries. The disease manifests through open-angle or angle-closure mechanisms, optic nerve damage, and visual field defects, often remaining asymptomatic until advanced stages, which delays diagnosis and underscores the need for routine screening to enable early intervention that can slow progression. Current treatments focus on lowering intraocular pressure (IOP) via topical medications, laser therapy, or incisional surgery, with minimally invasive glaucoma surgery (MIGS) emerging as a safer, equally efficacious alternative to traditional procedures, improving outcomes while minimizing complications. This review explores nanospanlastics ultra deformable vesicular nanocarriers as promising ocular drug delivery systems for glaucoma management, highlighting their enhanced corneal penetration, sustained release capabilities, and potential to boost bioavailability of IOP-lowering agents like timolol and dorzolamide, thereby addressing adherence challenges and advancing targeted therapies.
