Chinese Journal of Tissue Engineering Research ›› 2026, Vol. 30 ›› Issue (20): 5349-5360.doi: 10.12307/2026.146

Previous Articles    

Application and development trend of hydrogels in ophthalmic diseases

Liu Shuting, Qiu Muen, Li Wei   

  1. School of Physical Training, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
  • Accepted:2025-05-26 Online:2026-07-18 Published:2025-12-03
  • Contact: Li Wei, Professor, School of Physical Training, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
  • About author:Liu Shuting, MS, School of Physical Training, Beijing Sport University, Beijing 100084, China
  • Supported by:
    National Trampoline Team Physical Fitness Support Service, State Sports General Administration Service Project, No. BUS20240236 (to LW)

Abstract: BACKGROUND: Hydrogel materials, with their good histocompatibility as well as tunable physicochemical properties and photoresponsive behaviors, have shown potential for application in several medical technology fields such as corneal regeneration, vitreous replacement, lens repair, and retinal regeneration. 
OBJECTIVE: To sort out the main research progress of hydrogels in ophthalmic disease treatment, covering the material types and their applications in tissue repair, drug delivery and 3D printing, as well as to discuss the current problems and future development trends. 
METHODS: Using "hydrogel, ophthalmology, tissue engineering, drug transport, 3D printing" as English and Chinese search terms, we searched the PubMed database and CNKI database for the relevant literature published from the establishment to February 2025. According to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 145 articles were finally included for review. 
RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: Hydrogels have achieved preliminary results in corneal damage repair, vitreous replacement materials and slow release of fundus drugs. It has been pointed out that the dynamic regulation of the crosslinking degree and mechanical properties of the material can be achieved by adjusting the light conditions, so as to meet the therapeutic requirements of different parts of the eye. With the assistance of three-dimensional printing and other technologies, the personalized application of hydrogel has also been further enhanced. Some animal experiments show that it has good prospects in tissue repair and drug release. However, most of the current data are still derived from murine or rabbit models, and there is a lack of higher-order animal studies that are closer to human physiology. In addition, the existing results have not yet been effectively aligned with actual needs in the clinical translation pathway. Overall, hydrogels have the potential to be used as a platform for ophthalmic tissue engineering and drug delivery, but the clinical translation process still needs to address key issues such as material improvement, reliability of experimental models, and landing of results. In the future, if we can optimize the formulation, establish a more suitable research model, and strengthen the synergy between disciplines, it is expected to accelerate the practical application of hydrogel in ophthalmic precision therapy.

Key words: hydrogel, ophthalmology, tissue engineering, drug transport, 3D printing, corneal injury repair, vitreous replacement material, fundus drug sustained release

CLC Number: