Oil-in-water nanoemulsions for glaucoma treatment: An insight into the latest trends

Abstract

Glaucoma is a serious eye disease characterized by elevated intraocular pressure, which can ultimately lead to blindness, making it the second leading cause of blindness worldwide, following cataracts. The condition is associated with various risk factors and primarily affects the optic nerve. To treat glaucoma, a range of approaches, both traditional and innovative, have been employed. Recently, there has been a significant focus on nanoemulsions as a promising avenue for treatment. This review underscores the advantages of using oil-in-water nanoemulsions for ocular drug delivery, showcasing their superiority in terms of enhanced bioavailability and stability compared with other dispersion systems. This review also delves into the limitations inherent in traditional drug formulations, elucidates the mechanisms governing drug release, explores the pivotal role of surfactants, and examines the landscape of granted patents in this domain. By addressing these critical aspects, the review offers invaluable insights into the treatment of glaucoma, shedding light on innovative approaches that hold great promise in the fight against this debilitating eye condition. During our search, it was noticed that despite the existence of commendable research in the field of ocular nanoemulsions, particularly in the context of glaucoma along with granted patents, the commercialized nanoemulsion formulations for glaucoma is not yet exist.