A new kind of eyedrop has shown early success in delivering protective nutrients deep into the eye, which could lead to easier treatments for serious eye diseases in the future.
Scientists at RMIT University in Australia have developed an eyedrop that may help treat retinal diseases like age-related macular degeneration (AMD).
AMD is one of the most common causes of blindness worldwide, affecting millions of people. It damages the macula, which is a small but vital part of the retina at the back of the eye that helps us see clearly.
Many things can increase the risk of AMD, including getting older, family history, poor diet, high blood pressure, being overweight, and smoking. In today’s digital world, we are also exposed to a lot of blue light from phones, TVs, and computers, which may damage our eyes over time.
To fight this, the research team focused on lutein, a natural antioxidant that can protect the eyes. Lutein is found in high amounts in a tropical fruit called Gac. In their study, the researchers tested whether lutein could be delivered through an eyedrop instead of the usual method—direct injections into the eye.
In tests with mice, the special eyedrop formula successfully carried lutein to the back of the eye and kept it stable at room temperature for several months. These results were exciting because the retina is a hard place to reach with medicine unless it’s injected.
The eyedrops were also tested in lab-grown eye cells, and the lutein helped protect these cells from damage. This suggests that the drops could help stop or slow the progression of diseases like AMD.
Dr. Dao Nguyen, who co-led the study, said that regular eye injections can be painful and unpleasant, so having an eyedrop alternative would make treatment much easier for patients. She explained that the drops are not meant to replace injections but could be used in the early stages of the disease to prevent it from getting worse.
The eyedrop uses a special nanotechnology system called cubosomes. These are tiny particles that act like shields, keeping the lutein safe and slowly releasing it once it reaches the eye. This technology is still new but could be useful for delivering other types of medicine as well.
Associate Professor Tien Huynh, who led the project, said this delivery method could have many uses in the future. “We’ve shown it can protect fragile compounds and take them to the back of the eye, which has always been a challenge,” Huynh said.
Other experts also praised the research. Associate Professor Chi Luu from the Centre for Eye Research Australia (CERA) said the eyedrop could change the way we treat AMD, especially if future human trials confirm its safety and effectiveness.
It’s important to note that these results are still early. The tests were done in lab conditions and on healthy mice, not on animals or people with AMD. The next step will be working with other scientists and companies to test the eyedrop in humans.
The main study was published in the journal ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces. A second study, led by Ph.D. student Christopher Olowosoke, reviewed past research and showed the potential benefits of using plant-based compounds like lutein to protect the eyes.
Together, these findings point to a future where treating serious eye diseases could become less invasive and more comfortable for patients—thanks to a simple eyedrop.
The study is published in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces.
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