Particles, compositions, and methods that aid particle transport in mucus are provided. In some embodiments, the compositions and methods may involve modifying the surface coatings of particles with one or more surface-altering agents. The particles may comprise a pharmaceutical agent selected from a corticosteroid, a receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, a cyclooxygenase inhibitor, an angiogenesis inhibitor, a prostaglandin analog, an NSAID, a beta blocker, or a carbonic anhydrase inhibitor, and may have a low aqueous solubility. The pharmaceutical composition including such particles is well-suited for ophthalmic applications, and may be used for delivering pharmaceutical agents to the front of the eye and/or the back of the eye.
