The project aims are the development and evaluation of a mucoadhesive thermosensitive (MT) drug delivery nanosystem (DDS), capable of effectively and noninvasively deliver lutein directly to the eye, targeting the prevention and treatment of invalidating eye conditions, such as cataract and diabetic retinopathy, in which oxidative stress plays a pivotal role. In the formulation of the novel drug delivery system, engineered lutein co-crystals and rationally optimized lutein-loaded nanoparticles will be embodied into an in situ gelling bioadhesive matrix with expected improvement of the ocular bioavailability of the drug. Mechanical, bioadhesive and lutein release profiles of the prepared MT-DDS will be evaluated in vitro and ex vivo. Biological effects of the novel formulations will be evaluated in vivo in rats using two experimental models (selenite-induced cataract and diabetic retinopathy) which are complementary, generating valuable data, easily translatable in human medicine.