Therapeutic potential of curcumin in ophthalmic diseases: mechanisms and clinical applications

Ocular diseases impacting both the front and back segments of the eye are major contributors to worldwide vision loss. Curcumin, extracted from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, is a lipophilic polyphenol whose broad pharmacologic profile, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, antimicrobial, and antineoplastic, renders it an attractive prospect for ocular therapeutics. However, much of the existing research primarily focuses on the general mechanisms of curcumin in the human body, with a lack of comprehensive reviews specifically addressing its mechanisms in ophthalmic diseases. Therefore, this review aims to explore curcumin's therapeutic potential in ophthalmic disorders and examine its mechanisms of action in terms of its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-angiogenic, neuroprotective roles, and antibacterial effects. The influence of curcumin on a range of ocular diseases, including age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, glaucoma, cataracts, dry eye disease, pterygium, and uveitis, was also discussed. An analysis of preclinical and clinical studies conducted over the past 5 years suggested that curcumin holds promise as a therapeutic agent for various eye disorders. Furthermore, the review addressed the challenges faced in the clinical translation of curcumin in ophthalmology, such as issues related to dosage, formulation, and long-term safety. Despite curcumin's promising efficacy in preclinical models, several hurdles remain in its clinical application, highlighting the need for further research to facilitate its broader use in ophthalmic treatment.