Are you a fan of smartwatches and fitness bands? Wait until you hear about the new smart contact lens!
Yes, you heard right. Companies around the world are now working on revolutionizing the way we see and live our lives, with the creation of smart contact lenses.
Not only will these specialized lenses enhance vision, they’ll also act as medical devices that can monitor your health and deliver treatment for certain eye conditions. Some companies have even begun to create a contact lens that offers augmented reality (AR).
Smart contact lenses for medical treatment
Here is a brief summary of the latest research and applications for smart contact lenses:
1. Allergy relief
Johnson & Johnson Vision is creating an antihistamine-releasing contact lens to provide allergy-relief to those who suffer from allergic conjunctivitis.
2. Corneal injury
Researchers at the University of New Hampshire are experimenting with a new hydrogel contact lens aimed to treat chemical burns and other severe corneal injuries.
3. Eye conditions
Leo Lens and OcuMedic are two different companies working on developing a contact lens that will deliver drugs to the eye for the treatment of glaucoma, corneal abrasions and other corneal conditions.
4. Eye injuries
Queensland University of Technology, Australia, is formulating a contact lens to act as a bandage for eye injuries.
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Smart contact lenses for health monitoring
1. Eye pressure
In 2016, the FDA approved a smart contact lens that monitors intraocular pressure (IOP) to aid in the treatment of glaucoma.
2. Glucose levels
Smart contact lenses with specialized devices are being formulated to measure glucose (sugar) levels in the tear film and send a warning when the levels are elevated.
Smart contact lenses that enhance vision
1. Zoom features
The Harbin Institute of Technology in China along with researchers at the University of San Diego California have created a soft contact lens that can magnify what you are looking at by zooming in and out with just the blink of an eye.
2. Low vision aid
Scientists from across the globe have come together to develop a contact lens that can shift between normal and magnified vision, to help patients with low vision.
3. Augmented reality
Mojo Vision is in the process of manufacturing a contact lens that offers augmented reality (AR), giving you instant access to timely information, without ever looking down at a screen.
If you thought you’d have to wait another 20 years to witness such inventions, think again!
Before you know it, smart contact lenses will be the latest wearable technology, bringing major advantages to our lives.
These companies are working tirelessly to perfect their smart contact lenses and gain FDA approval, so consumers can soon benefit from their wide variety of functions.
In the not too distant future, smart contact lenses will be the next ‘big thing’ to revolutionize the world.
LEARN MORE: Guide to Contact Lenses
