Breaking barriers in ocular drug delivery: Unveiling the role of ocular inserts as controlled release systems

Ocular drug delivery poses significant challenges in maintaining therapeutic drug levels at the targeted site for an extended period. Traditional ocular medications, such as eye drops, often necessitate frequent administration and may lead to issues like corneal crystalline deposits. In response to these challenges, novel formulations like ocular inserts have emerged. Ocular inserts are specialized drug delivery systems designed for ophthalmic application, offering controlled release, and prolonged drug activity. This review explores the benefits of ocular inserts over conventional dosage forms, highlighting their ability to enhance ocular residence time and bioavailability through slow, constant drug release. Additionally, the review covers the physiology of the eye and various preparation and evaluation methods of ocular inserts, providing insights into their potential as effective alternatives in ocular drug delivery.