This invention provides a polymeric drug delivery system including a hydrogel containing one or more drugs for the treatment of a posterior segment disease. Allowing passive transference of this drug from a dilute solution into the hydrogel produces the delivery system. The hydrogel, when placed in contact with the eye, delivers the drug. The delivery of the drug is sustained over an extended period of time, which is of particular utility in the eye, which is periodically flushed with tears. This sustained delivery accelerates the treatment process while avoiding potential damaging effects of localized delivery of high concentrations of compounds, e.g., from eye drops.
