Research progress of drug-loaded hydrogel in the treatment of uveitis

Authors:Wang Qimiao, Shan Mengyuan, Wang Yan

Corresponding author: Wang Yan, Email:wangyan7143@vip.sina.com

Published:2026-08-10

DOI:10.3760/cma.j.cn115989-20231010-00122

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ABSTRACT 

Uveitis is a potentially blinding ocular inflammatory disease characterized by a prolonged course and a high recurrence rate. The clinical treatment of uveitis is limited by the blood-ocular barrier, which reduces the absorption and bioavailability of topically administered drugs. Frequent administration may damage the ocular surface, whereas long-term treatment may cause adverse effects such as cataracts and glaucoma. Hydrogels feature high drug-loading capacity, prolonged ocular surface retention, and good biocompatibility, making them a major research focus in the development of novel drug delivery systems for uveitis. By selecting suitable drugs and delivery strategies according to the properties of different types of hydrogels, drug permeability and bioavailability can be improved compared with conventional administration methods. Currently, research on drug-loaded hydrogels for the treatment of uveitis remains largely at the preclinical animal-model stage. The two main animal models of uveitis are experimental autoimmune uveitis and endotoxin-induced uveitis. This review summarizes the types of hydrogels, routes of administration, and selection of therapeutic agents used in drug-loaded hydrogel formulations for uveitis, with the aim of providing new perspectives and potential directions for the development of uveitis treatments.

KEYWORDS：

Hydrogel; Uveitis; Drug delivery

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Authors Info & Affiliations 

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References click to collapse

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