Applications of Thin Films in Ophthalmology

Nanotechnology provides a revolutionary approach to therapeutic challenges. Drug delivery, gene therapy, novel diagnostic methods and tissue engineering rank among the main fields of current nanomedical research. Thin films, with their unique optical and mechanical properties, are regarded as valuable biomedical tools and research is conducted to incorporate them in a variety of nanomedical devices. Main applications of thin films in ophthalmology include intraocular drug delivery, coatings for intraocular implants, scaffolds for retinal and corneal tissue engineering, novel diagnostic methods and modified intraocular lenses. A variety of chemical substances and nanotechnology techniques are used to fabricate thin films for ophthalmic use and it is clear that this burgeoning field may overcome hurdles and produce significant results that will revolutionize our approach to ocular diseases.