Early detection of glaucoma is crucial for preventing vision loss, yet many individuals with early-stage glaucoma are unaware of their condition. To address this challenge, researchers have developed a groundbreaking ‘smart’ contact lens that could revolutionize the way eye pressure is monitored.

Glaucoma, a group of diseases that damage the optic nerve and result in vision impairment, affects approximately three million people in the United States alone. Detecting subtle increases in eye pressure is key to diagnosing glaucoma, but the traditional methods, such as the ‘air puff test,’ only provide one-time measurements during eye exams.

The new prototype contact lens, featured in ACS Applied Materials & Interfaces, offers a solution by accurately measuring eye pressure continuously and wirelessly transmitting the data in real-time. Unlike previous attempts that were affected by temperature variations, this innovative lens remains reliable across a wide range of temperatures.

The technology behind the ‘smart’ contact lens involves two miniature spiral circuits designed to detect minute changes in eye pressure and diameter. These circuits, embedded within layers of polydimethylsiloxane, a common contact lens material, transmit signals that are read wirelessly. The system proved resilient to factors like eye movement, moisture exposure, and daily wear and tear in testing.

During laboratory experiments on pig eye specimens, the contact lenses successfully monitored and transmitted pressure data within a temperature range of 50°F to 122°F. This breakthrough could lead to early detection of glaucoma by providing continuous monitoring of eye pressure, offering a more comfortable and accurate alternative to current diagnostic methods.

The development of this ‘smart’ contact lens represents a significant advancement in the field of ophthalmology, with the potential to improve the lives of millions of individuals at risk of vision loss due to glaucoma.