Controlled and continuous release ocular drug delivery systems: pros and cons.

Topical ocular drug administration is the most preferred route for treating conditions affecting the surface of the eye as well as anterior segment diseases; this is mainly due to the rapid and localised drug action and patient acceptability. However, the ocular bioavailability is typically less than 5% from conventional ophthalmic dosage forms such as eye drops. This is mainly due to the unique anatomical and physiological features of the eye. One of the effective pharmaceutical approaches is to provide a controlled and continuous drug release to the surface of the eye to compensate drug loss by nasolacrimal drainage and non-productive absorption of the topically applied drug. This review provides a critical appraisal (advantages and drawbacks) of the different drug delivery strategies that provides controlled and continuous drug supply to the surface of the eye; it covers research conducted over the past three decades.