OCULAR INSERTS: A PROMINENT TECHNIQUE FOR OCULAR DRUG DELIVERY

The eye is a sensitive organ, and the administration of drugs into the ocular cavity is a tedious task. Ocular insert is the prominent technique to overcome problems associated with conventional dosage forms like repeated administration, drug drainage via lacrimal fluids drainage, formation of crystalline deposits on the cornea, pH instability, pulsed dosing of drugs, etc. This review focuses on developing a novel technique to treat ailments associated with the eye cavity. The major complications associated with the drug’s delivery into the eye are rapid pre-corneal drug loss due to nasolacrimal drainage, tear flow, and dilution of the drug leading to poor bioavailability, inadequate residence time, etc. Ocular inserts are thin films meant to be placed in a cul-de-sac, providing prolonged release without irritating the eyes. They are mostly made of polymers that encloses drug within them, which aids in the sustained release of the drug. Newer ocular drug delivery systems are being surveyed, such as Collagen shields, Biodegradable polymers, Inserts, Outfit, Minidisc`s, NODS, etc., and are formulated to attain enhanced bioavailability. In forthcoming years, great attention will be paid to developing non-invasive sustained drug release for both anterior and posterior segment eye disorders. The current aim in the invention of a new drug delivery system holds a promise toward many improved therapies for the treatment of vision-threatening disorders.