PREVIEW

Smart contact lenses could soon be used to diagnose and treat glaucoma. The lenses use an electrically passive sensor embedded in a disposable soft contact lens to identify signs of the disease. Developed by a joint British-Turkish team of scientists, the lenses monitor changes in intraocular pressure (IOP) over 24 hours. The pilot clinical trial for the sensor lenses included six participants, who noted the comfort of the slightly thicker and harder lenses. Having determined the technology works successfully, the academics plan to carry out a further study over the following year. The aim is to make the lenses commercially available through their spin-off company GlakoLens in the second half of 2025. As well as diagnosing glaucoma, there is also potential for the lenses to be used to detect other health conditions by measuring glucose, lactic acid and other molecules present in the eye. Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness worldwide and remains without a permanent cure.