The evaluation of N-trimethyl chitosan (TMC)-coated liposomes containing Coenzyme Q(10) as potential ophthalmic drug delivery system was carried out. Firstly, transcorneal permeation studies were conducted at 34°C using a side-by-side diffusion apparatus. The transport process of the fluorescent marker, rhodamine B, across the corneal epithelium was visualized with confocal laser scanning microscopy. Secondly, the human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) were cultured without or with Coenzyme Q(10) followed by addition of H(2)O(2). The cell viability and apoptosis were evaluated. The permeability coefficient for rhodamine B with TMC-coated liposomes increased more than two times in comparison with the value obtained for solution as control, from (0.42±0.018)×10(5)cms(-1) to (1.31±0.030)×10(5)cms(-1). Confocal laser scanning microscopy revealed that a TMC coating enhanced the transepithelial transport, dependent on the TMC concentration and contacting time. Coenzyme Q(10) elevated the cell viability and reduced the oxidative damage with the decreased percentage of apoptotic cells in a positive concentration-dependent manner. The ATP content of liposome-treated cells was increased about 2-fold compared with that of H(2)O(2)-treated cells. Together, our findings demonstrate that with the enhanced permeation effect of the TMC coating, Coenzyme Q(10)-loaded TMC-coated liposomes appear to be a promising ophthalmic drug delivery carrier with an efficacy in protecting HLECs against H(2)O(2)-induced oxidative damage.