**Background:** Laponite is a nanostructured synthetic clay with unique properties including high surface area, dual charge, thixotropy, and optical transparency. It has been used in various biomedical fields for drug delivery, hemostasis, and tissue engineering. However, its application in ophthalmology has been limited. This review aims to summarize the existing evidence and potential ophthalmic uses of Laponite, focusing on drug delivery, bleeding control, and regenerative medicine.
**Methods:** A systematic search was conducted following PRISMA guidelines across databases including Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar up to August 2023. Keywords included "Laponite", "biomedical applications", and "ophthalmology". After screening and eligibility assessment, 173 publications were included, with around 80% published between 2013 and 2023. Studies were classified as those conducted in the eye and those not conducted in the eye but potentially applicable due to shared drugs, tissues, or pathologies.
**Key Results:** Only 11 publications focused on Laponite and ophthalmology, with 4 conducted in vivo on animal eyes. In rabbit eyes, Laponite showed biocompatibility after suprachoroidal and intravitreal administration, with no significant intraocular pressure changes or pathological alterations. Slow degradation was observed over 14 weeks. A dexamethasone-Laponite formulation provided sustained release for up to 24 weeks in the choroid-retina unit and vitreous. In glaucomatous rats, a brimonidine-Laponite formulation induced ocular hypotensive and neuroprotective effects over 24 weeks, confirmed by electroretinography, OCT, and retinal ganglion cell counts. The formulation was also monitored non-invasively via OCT. Other studies reviewed Laponite's potential for drug delivery of antibiotics (e.g., tetracycline, amoxicillin), anti-inflammatories (e.g., dexamethasone), growth factors (e.g., ILGF-1, VEGF), and anticancer agents (e.g., doxorubicin). Laponite also demonstrated hemostatic properties, reducing clotting time from 7 minutes to less than 3 minutes in vitro. In tissue engineering, Laponite-based scaffolds supported cell viability (70-75% for up to 3 weeks) and promoted osteogenic differentiation.
**Clinical Implications:** Laponite offers several advantages for ophthalmic use: biocompatibility, optical transparency, easy injectability due to thixotropy, and sustained drug release. It can enhance delivery of both small molecules and macromolecules, potentially reducing the frequency of intravitreal injections. Its intrinsic antimicrobial activity against Gram-negative bacteria may reduce antibiotic use. Laponite's hemostatic properties could aid in surgical bleeding control. In regenerative medicine, Laponite-based scaffolds may support tissue repair for lid, orbital, and retinal defects. However, limitations include potential toxicity at high concentrations, transient IOP increase post-injection, and challenges in soft tissue printing. Future research should explore Laponite's combination with anti-VEGF antibodies and its use in neural tissue engineering.