A comprehensive review of novel approaches for Anti-inflammatory treatment post-cataract Surgery

Prasad M Naik, Usha G K , K Ramesh and Beny Baby

Cataract surgery, a widely performed ophthalmic procedure, is often accompanied by postoperative inflammation and complications due to anatomical and physiological barriers that hinder effective drug delivery. Conventional anti-inflammatory treatments face challenges in bioavailability, drug retention, and therapeutic efficacy. This review explores advanced nanoparticle-based drug delivery systems—including liposomes, niosomes, nanoemulsions, nanosuspensions, dendrimers, micelles, and cubosomes—that offer enhanced drug penetration, controlled and sustained release, and improved therapeutic outcomes. These nanocarriers effectively overcome ocular barriers, providing targeted delivery to affected tissues while minimizing systemic side effects and dosing frequency. By improving drug stability and optimizing recovery, they present promising solutions for postoperative cataract management. Additionally, nanoparticle-based formulations improve patient compliance and enable sustained drug release for long-term therapeutic benefits. Further research and development of these technologies are essential to refine their safety, efficacy, and adaptability for ophthalmic applications, ultimately advancing postoperative care and enhancing vision restoration in cataract patients.

Keywords – Cataract surgery, postoperative inflammation, ocular drug delivery, nanoparticle-based systems, sustained drug release, bioavailability enhancement, therapeutic efficacy