Smart contact lens could detect and treat glaucoma

A research team from Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH) in South Korea, able to detect patients with glaucoma and also condition treatment. Nominated by theranosticThe lens was featured in a study published in the scientific journal Nature Communication.

The smart lens was developed with a sensor that measures intraocular pressure (IOP) and has a flexible system that can deliver medication for the treatment of glaucoma. Most impressively, theranostic is able to administer the right amount of drug based on the response of the intraocular pressure gauge. — most current sensors do not have this function.

The IOP sensor uses hollow gold nanowires integrated into the flexible drug delivery system, wireless power and communication system, and integrated circuit chip; The chip was developed specifically for the lens. In the study, the researchers showed positive results and note that the theranostic performs an excellent measurement of intraocular pressure and drug delivery.

Smart lens for glaucoma treatment

“We hope that the early commercialization of newly developed theranostic smart contact lenses for the diagnosis and treatment of glaucomatous intraocular pressure will lead to greater engagement of glaucoma patients,” said Professor Sei Kwang Hahn, one of the study’s lead authors.

Glaucoma is a disease that raises IOP, causing damage to the optic nerve and vision problems. There are different types of glaucoma and it usually occurs in people over the age of 40. Peripheral vision is first affected, but some cases may even lead to complete vision loss.

The smart contact lens may be the best personalized treatment for glaucoma because it offers excellent chemical stability and biocompatibility — the lens has been shown to be highly effective in tests on rabbits. Scientists claim that the theranostic system can also be applied to different wearable devices.

In most cases, glaucoma patients use eye drops to lower their intraocular pressure, but a device that delivers the medication continuously may be the best treatment option. There are no predictions yet for Theranostic to be available to end consumers.