Brinzolamide-loaded soft contact lens for ophthalmic delivery.

In this study, brinzolamide (BRZ) was loaded in balafilcon A silicone hydrogel soft contact lens to enhance delivery in glaucoma therapy. BRZ-loaded soft contact lens was prepared by the soaking method with optimization of pH, temperature and concentration of drug loading solution. At pH 7.4, loading temperature and concentration of 32°C and 3 mg/ml, respectively, enhanced drug loading capacity and release were observed. Diffusional experiments showed Higuchi model of release. BRZ loading brought no appreciable changes in the physical properties of soft contact lens, likewise, maintaining stability. The results demonstrated BRZ loading and delivery through silicone hydrogel soft contact lens which provides a potential alternative in glaucoma therapy.