Smart Contact Lenses

Contact lenses with built-in wireless smart sensors can detect diabetes and glaucoma.

16:30 08 May 2017

A recent study has proposed the possibility of using contact lenses with built-in wireless smart sensors in monitoring certain conditions including diabetes and glaucoma. Diabetes is the most common cause of high blood sugar levels, which can be measured with tears.

 

The study was jointly conducted by researchers from Ulsan National Institute of Science and Technology (UNIST) and Kyungpook National University (KNU). The team, who has unveiled a smart contact lens sensor, hopes that their research could pave the way for the development of biosensors that can detect and treat various human diseases.

 

One of the researchers, Professor Jang-Ung Park of Materials Science and Engineering, said: "This study can be used to diagnose diseases (diabetes and glaucoma) by implementing two types of transparent electronic sensors in the production of smart contact lens sensors. We are now a step closer to the implementation of a fictional idea for a smart contact lens in the films, like "Minority Report" and "Mission: Impossible."

 

Many attempts have been made in the past to monitor diabetes with contact lenses. Some of the problems that the research team are trying to address is poor wearability and comfort issues due to the lens firm plastic material.