Controlled Release of Multiple Therapeutics From Silicone Hydrogel Contact Lenses for Post-Cataract/Post-Refractive Surgery and Uveitis Treatment

PURPOSE: This work demonstrates seven-day controlled and extended in vitro physiological flow dual release of multiple post-ocular surgery therapeutics from extended-wear contact lenses as a dropless alternative for treatment of uveitis and corneal inflammation, pain, and infection. Lens replacement each week optimizes treatment matching patient recall time with the ability to increase or decrease dosage. METHODS: Lenses were synthesized using molecular imprinting to create lenses with macromolecular memory for diclofenac sodium (DS) and dexamethasone sodium phosphate (DMSP), as well as bromfenac sodium (BS) and moxifloxacin (MOX). Drug uptake and release were analyzed, and physical properties were measured and compared to commercial standards. RESULTS: DS + DMSP–loaded lenses demonstrated seven-days-plus release of each, whereas controls released more than 85% of their payload within the first day. Lenses loaded with BS + MOX demonstrated release of BS and MOX for 11 and eight days, respectively. Structural analysis demonstrated statistically similar mesh size and average molecular weight between crosslinks between imprinted lenses and controls, suggesting that release extension was due to formation of macromolecular memory sites rather than a tighter polymer architecture. CONCLUSIONS: Lenses demonstrated in this work have significant clinical applications as an eye drop alternative, possessing the ability to be worn continuously for one week while delivering a consistent amount of therapeutic for the duration of wear. TRANSLATIONAL RELEVANCE: In vitro physiological flow release results demonstrate the clinical potential of therapeutic contact lenses as a dropless vehicle for ocular drug delivery.