Nanocomposite-Based Smart Ocular Sensors: Opportunities, Challenges, and Future Directions

Millions of people suffer from various ocular disorders, and conventional diagnostic and therapeutic strategies pose persistent challenges for early diagnosis and effective treatment. With the rapid advancement of nanotechnology, functional nanocomposites consisting of various nanofillers and matrices have been widely explored as smart sensors for ophthalmology management. Herein, we comprehensively overview the nanocomposite-based smart ocular sensors, predominantly including ocular movement sensors, intraocular pressure sensors, ocular biofluid sensors, and artificial retina prostheses, particularly for the management of dry eye syndrome, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and retinal degeneration. We further describe how customized smart ocular sensors offer transformative solutions for real-time monitoring, noninvasive diagnostics, smart therapy, and intelligent theranostics by leveraging desirable mechanical, electrical, optical, and piezoelectric properties. Additionally, current challenges of nanocomposite-based smart ocular sensors to clinical translation and precision medicine have been deeply discussed, and according future direction has been proposed. By targeting an overview of nanocomposite-based smart ocular sensors with direct ties to unmet clinical needs in ophthalmology, this review may foster collaboration and innovation across materials science, biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and ophthalmology.