Scientists are testing microneedles that dissolve in the eyes

In search of a solution to treat chronic eye diseases more efficiently and with less pain, scientists are developing a kind of patch containing microneedles that dissolve in contact with the eyes. The patch is placed over the eye like a contact lens and, once removed, leaves the microneedles attached to the organ, which decompose in contact with corneal fluid.

The new method would be the solution for patients who have illnesses that, due to their severity, need to take injections directly into the eye. Micro-needles are also more effective than drip drugs, as the drug is given gradually, favoring longer action, while in drip medications only about 5 percent of the drug is absorbed.

Micro-needle patches have already been used by humans on the skin to apply vaccines, local anesthetics and antidiabetic drugs. However, when tested in the eyes, the microneedles carried the drug, which was released instantly into the eyeball and could not be fully absorbed. This time, biologist Peng Chen and his team developed micro-needles that penetrate the cornea and introduce the drug as they dissolve.

Although the method is promising at the moment, the patch has only been tested on rats. According to Chen, much work remains to be done, as the microneedles need to be sized to fit the shape, density and size of a human eye.

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Scientists are testing microneedles that dissolve in the eyes via TecMundo