TITLE:
Nanobiotechnology in the Management of Glaucoma
AUTHORS:
Pho Nguyen, Alex Huang, Samuel C. Yiu
KEYWORDS:
Glaucoma; Nanotechnology; Nanomedicine; Drug Delivery; Wound Healing; Nanoparticle
JOURNAL NAME:
Open Journal of Ophthalmology,
Vol.3 No.4,
November
11,
2013
ABSTRACT: As the prevalence of glaucoma continues to rise, clinicians and researchers are confronted with an age-old problem: how to reduce risk factors and preserve vision in glaucoma. Current management options revolve around a validated paradigm—intraocular pressure reduction. Active investigations to improve drug delivery efficacy and surgical outcomes are flourishing. This article aims to provide the interested readers with a review of recent discoveries in nanobiotechnology for the management of glaucoma. Targeted drug-delivery systems using mesoscale vectors demonstrate promising delivery profiles. The utility of nanoparticulate therapies to support retinal ganglion cell survival is being investigated. Studies to modulate tissue regeneration and remodeling and improve post-trabeculectomy outcomes are underway. Though these modalities promise new avenues to manage glaucoma, immediate market availability is not anticipated soon.