IIT Madras Identifies Method to Enhance Eye Drug Delivery

Their research focused on the flow of drugs injected into the eye and how mild laser heating can accelerate this process, ensuring quicker and more effective drug absorption.

Researchers from the Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT-M) have discovered a method to enhance the delivery of drugs to the retina by utilizing mild laser-induced convection. 

Their research focused on the flow of drugs injected into the eye and how mild laser heating can accelerate this process, ensuring quicker and more effective drug absorption.

The study could benefit millions of individuals in India suffering from retinal disorders. The team demonstrated how heat and mass transfer can optimize eye treatments, specifically those targeting the retina, through simulations and experimental studies.

New Approach to Retinal Drug Delivery

Laser-based treatments for retinal diseases such as retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, and macular edema are increasingly common. However, due to natural diffusion, getting medication to the retina—where nerves and blood vessels are present—can be slow and inefficient.

The research, spearheaded by Prof. Arunn Narasimhan from IIT-M’s Department of Mechanical Engineering, in collaboration with Dr Lingam Gopal of Shankar Nethralaya, set out to improve this process. 

Their findings suggest that mild laser heating could speed up the movement of drugs through the eye's vitreous region, potentially leading to faster treatment times and improved outcomes.

Prof. Narasimhan stated, "Our research focused on how mild heating can aid drug delivery to the retina. We developed a model and performed simulations to test this idea, and our findings suggest that this method can significantly speed up drug delivery compared to natural diffusion processes."

This investigation began nearly a decade ago, marking the first biothermal research of its kind in India. The IIT-M team developed computer simulations and conducted experimental studies to examine the effects of laser irradiation on the human eye, specifically within the context of bio-heat and mass transfer.

One of the main challenges in retinal drug delivery is the vitreous humor—a gel-like substance in the eye—that can become less viscous after retinal laser surgery. In these cases, doctors often inject drugs directly into the vitreous region, but natural diffusion is slow, which can delay the drug’s effectiveness.

The team’s research aimed to counter this issue. Using a glass model of the human eye, filled with silicone oil and water to mimic the vitreous humor, the researchers injected a dye as a stand-in for drugs and measured how well it spread through the eye’s liquid. 

By applying mild laser heating, they found that the convection caused by the heat improved the drug's distribution throughout the eye, enabling it to reach the retina more quickly.

Dr Gopal of Shankar Nethralaya said, "The potential to enhance drug delivery through such simple interventions could change how we approach treatment for many retinal diseases. Laser therapy already plays a crucial role, but improving drug absorption in this way can offer better patient outcomes."

The research demonstrates the potential to improve the speed of drug delivery and make treatments more precise. This could be particularly beneficial for diabetic retinopathy and macular edema, where fast and accurate treatment can help preserve vision.

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