Ophthalmology meets Microfluidics: Advances in Lab-on-a-chip technologies for Ocular Healthcare

Microfluidics is a dynamic field focused on the precise manipulation of miniature fluid volumes, which has emerged as a promising new technology in ophthalmology. The unique anatomical constraints of the eye, with its intricate structures and small size, in addition to the contained precious yet low volume of ocular biofluids (i.e., aqueous humor, tear film, vitreous humor, cerebrospinal fluids, and blood), present challenges for traditional approaches in disease diagnostics and drug delivery. However, microfluidics offers precise control over fluid dynamics at the microscale, aligning seamlessly with the requirements of diagnostics and therapeutics in ophthalmology. The technology has the potential to enable point-of-care in vitro diagnostics or minimally invasive diagnostic procedures, targeted delivery of therapeutics, for in-situ and real-time monitoring of ocular biomarkers. As such, microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies hold the potential to revolutionize treatment strategies and improve outcomes for patients with a range of eye conditions, including glaucoma, cataract, dry eye, diabetic retinopathy, age-related macular degeneration and myopia, for example.

The goal of this Research Topic is to explore the applications of microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies in addressing key challenges in ophthalmology. We aim to tackle issues such as improving diagnostic convenience and accuracy, enhancing drug delivery precision and efficacy, and advancing personalized treatment and prognostic strategies. Recent advances in microfluidics and lab-on-a-chip technologies have paved the way for innovative solutions, including eye-on-a-chip disease models, miniaturized diagnostic devices, continuous monitoring platforms, and targeted ocular drug delivery systems. By showcasing these developments, we seek to accelerate the translation of microfluidics-based approaches into clinical practice, covering a wide spectrum of pressing ocular diseases and ultimately benefiting patients. Additionally, we aim to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and stimulate future research frontiers and trends in this rapidly evolving field.

We invite contributions that explore the intersection of ophthalmology and microfluidics, including but not limited to:

- Eye-on-a-chip technologies

- Microengineered modeling of ocular diseases

- Point-of-care diagnostics for rapid and accurate detection of ocular diseases

- Continuous monitoring of intraocular pressure or ocular disease biomarkers

- Targeted precision drug delivery to specific ocular tissues or cells

- Integration of lab-on-a-chip systems with existing ophthalmic technologies

We would welcome original research, reviews, mini reviews, perspectives, and opinions that demonstrate novel applications, methodologies, or insights in this field. Manuscripts should emphasize the clinical relevance and translational potential of microfluidic and lab-on-a-chip approaches in ophthalmology. Please join us in this article collection to contribute to the advancement of microfluidics-driven innovations in ocular healthcare.

Article types and fees

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• ... View all formats

Articles that are accepted for publication by our external editors following rigorous peer review incur a publishing fee charged to Authors, institutions, or funders.

Article types

This Research Topic accepts the following article types, unless otherwise specified in the Research Topic description:

• Brief Research Report
• Case Report
• Classification
• Clinical Trial
• Data Report
• Editorial
• FAIR² Data
• General Commentary
• Hypothesis and Theory
• Methods
• Mini Review
• Opinion
• Original Research
• Perspective
• Policy and Practice Reviews
• Policy Brief
• Review
• Study Protocol
• Systematic Review
• Technology and Code

Keywords: Ophthalmology, Microfluidics, Ocular Biofluids, Diagnostics, Therapeutics

Important note: All contributions to this Research Topic must be within the scope of the section and journal to which they are submitted, as defined in their mission statements. Frontiers reserves the right to guide an out-of-scope manuscript to a more suitable section or journal at any stage of peer review.