Nano-Nutraceuticals for age-related macular degeneration: Innovations in ocular delivery systems

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss among older adults, severely impacting quality of life. It manifests in two forms: dry AMD, characterized by the accumulation of drusen, and wet AMD, involving abnormal blood vessel growth under the retina. Current treatments, particularly anti-VEGF therapies for wet AMD, are limited by cost, procedural discomfort, and associated risks, while no FDA-approved therapies exist for dry AMD. Nutraceuticals such as lutein, zeaxanthin, curcumin, resveratrol, and omega-3 fatty acids oer potential in mitigating oxidative stress and inammation, key factors in AMD pathogenesis. Despite promising preclinical data, their clinical utility is hampered by poor solubility, instability, and low bioavailability in ocular tissues. Nanotechnology oers innovative solutions to these challenges through the development of nanocarrier systems like liposomes, nanoparticles, and emulsions. These systems enhance the delivery, stability, and targeted release of bioactive compounds, improving therapeutic outcomes while minimizing systemic side eects. This review explores the pathophysiology of AMD, the role of nutraceuticals in retinal health, barriers to eective ocular drug delivery, and recent advances in nanotechnology that address these limitations. The integration of nano-nutraceuticals represents a promising strategy for the prevention and management of AMD