The field of ocular drug delivery has long grappled with the significant challenge of poor bioavailability through traditional methods, such as eye drops and ointments, primarily due to anatomical barriers and physiological mechanisms like tear turnover and blinking. Less than 5% of instilled doses effectively penetrate the cornea, necessitating frequent administration to maintain therapeutic efficacy. Most critically, reaching the posterior segment of the eye non-invasively has been a monumental challenge, traditionally addressed through invasive procedures such as intravitreal or periocular injections. Contemporary research, however, is paving the way for novel topical platforms that promise anterior and posterior delivery of therapeutics, alongside the real-time monitoring of drug distribution and effect, effectively marking a paradigm shift in ocular therapeutics.

This Research Topic aims to explore and expand upon the transformative potential of advanced topical delivery systems designed to overcome the hurdles of traditional methods. We aim to highlight innovations such as lipid-based nanoparticles, stimuli-responsive hydrogels, dissolvable microneedle arrays, and bioinspired vectors, all of which offer sustained, targeted, and stimuli-responsive therapeutic options. Additionally, integrated diagnostic sensors offer theranostic capabilities, further enhancing the versatility and functionality of these platforms. By inviting contributions that detail methodological advancements, robust physicochemical characterizations, and preclinical or early clinical findings, this collection seeks to spark interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering the design and regulatory progression of these next-generation ocular drug delivery systems.
Focus is placed on addressing the following themes to gain comprehensive insights into these emergent systems:
• Lipid-Based and Hybrid Nanocarriers
• Stimuli-Responsive In Situ Gels & Sensors
• Microneedle and Microarray Technologies
• Contact Lens-Mediated Delivery & Diagnostics
• Bioinspired & Biological Vectors
• 3D-Printed Inserts, Microfluidics & Wearables
•Advanced Preclinical Models
• Quantitative Pharmacokinetics, Imaging & Modeling
• Regulatory & Translational Considerations

We invite authors to submit original research articles, comprehensive reviews, brief communications, and methodological perspectives that emphasize methodology, safety evaluation, and translational potential. Submissions focusing on non-invasive therapeutic delivery to the posterior segment with integrated theranostic approaches are of particular interest. Together, this Research Topic aims to define and refine best practices, addressing current challenges while charting future directions for topical ocular drug delivery.

Topic Editor Heather Sheardown has a spin-out company (20/20 OptimEyes). The other Topic Editors declare no competing interest with regard to the Research Topic subject.

Topic Editor Laurence Fitzhenry is co-founder of a spin-out company (OcuDel). The other Topic Editors declare no competing interest with regard to the Research Topic subject.

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Redefining Topical Ocular Drug Delivery: Next-Gen Platforms for Precision Ocular Therapy