Vol. 7, Issue 1, Part F (2025)

The unique anatomy and physiology of the eye make it a vital organ of the body. The most convenient and conventional method is the topical administration of the drug. Delivering the drug ocularly to the targeted sites is a challenging yet interesting technique because of the presence of protective barriers, making it difficult to achieve optimal drug concentration in the active areas. Also, another obstacle to conventional formulation is the rapid loss of the drug before it can reach the cornea. Therefore, to enhance the bioavailability of ophthalmic medications for a high therapeutic action, the aim is to develop new drug delivery systems for ocular diseases. The present review aims to combine various drug delivery technologies to create systems that extend the residence time of the drug, simultaneously reducing the rate and amount of drug that is washed away by natural mechanisms. In-situ gels, collagen shields, minidiscs, ocular films, concerts, nanosuspensions, liposomes, nanoparticulate systems, niosomes, dendrimers, and ocular iontophoresis are the novel and advanced approaches that ensure adequate bioavailability and minimize the undesirable effects offered by traditional ocular delivery systems. This review focuses on the development of in situ gels.