Glaucoma is one of the leading causes of blindness worldwide. This disease is often caused by the inability to maintain permanent control over intraocular pressure (IOP). However, existing tools are non-portable and only allow for one-time measurements, making them unsuitable for continuous monitoring.
According to a recent study published in the journal Nature, Japanese scientists have developed an innovative smart contact lens capable of continuous, real-time monitoring of intraocular pressure during daily use.
How Does the Smart Lens Work?
The foundation of this innovation is a thin-film sensor based on a multi-layered structure. The technology integrates several unique components, the core of which is a sensitive layer.
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Thin-Film Sensor: This is a flexible, microscopically thin layer that instantly perceives the slightest surface deformation or pressure and converts it into a precise electrical signal.
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Mechanism of Action: When intraocular pressure increases and the cornea changes shape, the sensor placed on the lens stretches. During this process, micro-cracks appear in its conductive layer, which changes the electrical resistance. This variation in resistance serves as the indicator that pressure has risen.
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Data Transmission: A 70 MHz dual gold antenna is integrated into the lens to transmit data. It ensures a continuous, wireless stream of information to an external device.
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Enhanced Sensitivity: Furthermore, the scientists utilized a “Parity-Time (PT) Symmetry” wireless system. This innovative approach increased the device’s sensitivity by 183 times compared to traditional methods, enabling the accurate detection of extremely weak signals.
Research Results
Experiments conducted on laboratory models and animals confirmed the high accuracy of the device. Along with technical efficiency, the study also determined the safety of the lens:
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Transparency: The material is more than 80% transparent and does not interfere with vision.
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Thermal Control: Tests showed that the device does not cause heating of the ocular surface.
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Biocompatibility: Tests confirmed the lens is non-toxic. Observation of human corneal cells established that their viability is fully maintained.
This technology is particularly relevant for Japan and other countries where, due to low birth rates and an aging population, the risk of glaucoma increases significantly with age.
Continuous monitoring will allow doctors to precisely adjust medication dosages and prevent irreversible vision damage.
