Sir,
Nanophthalmology, an offshoot of nanotechnology, refers to highly specific ophthalmic intervention at the molecular scale. A nanometer is one-billionth of a meter, and it is at this size scale biological molecules and structures inside ocular cells operate. One near-term focus of nanophthalmology is drug delivery. FDA approval for nanophthalmology products has already been achieved. BioSante has developed a calcium phosphate-based nanoparticle platform for treatment of glaucoma. NUCRYST is marketing Silcryst, a burn and wound dressing based on nanocrystalline silver.1
The nanoparticles are found to be suitable as coating for living cells or artificial retinal implants to prevent immune response.2 A silicon chip retinal implant developed by Second Sight make use of ultrananocrystalline diamond film that is reported to be safe, long-lasting, electrically insulating, and extremely tough.3 Further, an NIH funded center is designing a class of nanodevices for generating electric power—nanobiobatteries—for an implantable artificial retina.4
With their onboard sensors, nanoscale materials and devices known as nanorobots will react to the same molecular signals that the immune system does, but with greater discrimination.5 When an invading harmful virus or bacteria is identified, it can be punctured, letting its contents spill out and ending its effectiveness. If the contents were known to be hazardous by themselves, then the nanorobots could hold on to it long enough to dismantle it completely.6 As the technology becomes more sophisticated, new types of ‘nanosurgery’ will be ultimately developed.7
Challenges
Manufacturing standards and quality control measures for nanomaterials are yet to evolve. Nanophthalmology also faces negative public perceptions about the possible toxic effects of nanoparticles.8, 9 Nanoparticles and technology still need to be proven safe towards human health and also to the environment.
To conclude, we are on the verge of a revolution in eyecare. Advances in computational capabilities, developments in nanodevices and remote communications should be integrated allowing for the success of nanophthalmology. This also involves proving the value of emerging technologies to concerned people, promoting use of technology and sorting out the barriers.10 This process will bring new horizons to the understanding and practice of ophthalmology.
Competing interests
The author has no competing interests in any of the devices or methodology mentioned in the manuscript.
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Acknowledgements
This work was supported by Whitfeld Fellowship from University of Western Australia and Dr Jack Hoffman Scholarship from Lions Save Sight Foundation.
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Kumar, S. Nanophthalmology: new frontier in fighting blindness?. Eye 20, 1455–1456 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.eye.6702333
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.eye.6702333
