The application of nanomaterials in the treatment of choroidal neovascularization: Precise drug delivery systems and strategies for enhancing photosensitizers

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is a severe ocular pathological condition characterized by abnormal vascular proliferation in the choroid layer, penetrating Bruch’s membrane, and entering the subretinal space. It usually occurs in the macular area and may lead to irreversible vision impairment or even blindness. The formation mechanism of CNV is complex and involves the abnormal activation of multiple molecular signaling pathways. Among them, the overexpression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor is the primary driving factor. At present, the traditional treatment strategies for CNV mainly include anti-VEGF drug injection and photodynamic therapy (PDT), but they have limitations, including the need for frequent injections, poor patient response, and potential side effects. To address these issues, researchers have proposed using nanomaterials in CNV treatment. As novel drug delivery systems, nanomaterials offer advantages such as targeted delivery, intelligent response, and precise release in the treatment of CNV, significantly improving drug bioavailability, reducing systemic toxicity, and enhancing therapeutic effects. This article systematically analyzes the application and mechanism of nanomaterials in CNV treatment, including their use in drug therapy and PDT, by screening studies on the application of nanomaterials in CNV treatment in the past decade using “nanomaterials” and “CNV” as keywords in the database, providing a reference for the development of new nanomaterials.