Engineers develop a smart contact lens

Tohoku University (TU) researchers have developed a smart self-moisturising contact lens that could help ease dry eye syndrome and posted their research in the ‘Advanced Materials Technologies’ journal. The revolutionary contact lens functions by providing tears from the patient’s temporary tear reservoir, to the surface, via electroosmotic flow through a current which is applied to a hydrogel.

Also, the researchers tested a couple of variations of biobatteries, including an enzymatic fructose-oxygen fuel cell and a magnesium-oxygen battery, to explore the likelihood of using a wireless power supply for the contact lenses. The results showed that both of the biobatteries, which can be mounted onto the charged contact lens, can power the system.

A TU engineer, Professor Matsuhiko Nishizawa, stated: “Although there have been many recent advancements in new functions for smart contact lenses, there has been little progress in solving the drawbacks associated with wearing contact lenses day to day. This is the first demonstration that EOF in a soft contact lens can keep the lens moist. In the future, there is scope to expand this technology for other applications such as drug delivery.”