Nano/microparticles for retina and posterior diseases

Treatment and management of diseases of the posterior segment of the eye such as age-related macular degeneration, cytomegalovirus retinitis, diabetic retinopathy, posterior uveitis, retinoblastoma, retinitis pigmentosa, and choroidal neovascularization is a challenging task due to the anatomy and physiology of ocular barriers. For instance, traditional routes of drug delivery for therapeutic treatment are hindered by poor intraocular penetration and/or rapid ocular elimination. One possible approach to improve ocular therapy is to employ nanotechnology. In this chapter, the focus will be on the products of nanotechnology, having at least one dimension in the nanoscale including nano/microparticles with and without targeting ligands, which are making a significant impact in the fields of ocular drug delivery and gene delivery. Additionally, the use of nano/micro-carriers, such as cyclodextrin nanoparticle, polymeric nanoparticle, and functionalized nanoparticle for the treatment of retinal and posterior diseases, has been discussed. Although the above nano/microparticles may be administered by various routes including topical, intravenous, intravitreal, and periocular, each nano/microparticles should be tailored for the disease, drug, and site of administration. In addition, recent advances in the research and development of drug delivery methods of the posterior chamber of the eye, with an emphasis on the use of nano/microparticles, have been summarized.