Wireless Smart Contact Lenses Detect and Treat Diabetes

Having diabetes means a lifelong obligation of insulin shots and monitoring of blood glucose levels. But a team of researchers has developed a way to control the secretion of insulin just by wearing contact lenses.

The wirelessly driven smart contact lens technology can detect diabetes and further treat diabetic retinopathy just by wearing them. The wireless-powered smart contact lens can diagnose and treat diabetes by controlling drug delivery with electrical signals. The lenses are made of biocompatible polymers and integrate biosensors and drug delivery and data communication systems.

The research team verified that glucose level analyzed by the smart contact lenses matched their blood glucose level using a conventional glucose sensor that utilizes drawn blood. The team additionally confirmed that the drugs encased in smart contact lenses could treat diabetic retinopathy.

By applying the platform technology, a study has expanded the scope of electroceuticals that use electrical stimulations to treat brain disorders such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's diseases, and mental illnesses including depression.

The research team expects this development of self-controlled therapeutic smart contact lenses with real-time biometric analysis to be quickly applied to wearable healthcare industries.