Researchers at the Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology (SIAT) have developed a smart contact lens that serves as a point-of-care (POC) eye health monitoring system.
This new contact lens can be used to diagnose various eye conditions such as xerophthalmia, high intraocular pressure disease, and glaucoma.
Current diagnosis methods of these conditions require various procedures and instruments operated by eye care professionals. The smart contact lens has a sensor that is made from a biocompatible hydrogel making it biosafe and comfortable for the patient.
The sensors in the contact lens make it sensitive to moisture and pressure changes causing the lens to change color when abnormal conditions are detected. Researchers are optimistic that the contact lenses would be of great benefit to those who are at high risk of developing such eye diseases and offering early diagnosis and intervention.
