In one aspect, the disclosure relates to compositions for the extended release of drugs in the retina. In a further aspect, the present disclosure provides methods of preparing extended release compositions comprising a therapeutic agent for use in retinal drug delivery. In various other aspects, the present disclosure provides methods for delivery of the disclosed compositions comprising a therapeutic agent to the retina via intravitreal injection. This abstract is intended as a scanning tool for purposes of searching in the particular art and is not intended to be limiting of the present disclosure.