A team at National Chiao Tung University has developed a prototype that could change the way ophthalmologist treat their patients.
A team of researchers from National Chiao Tung University has developed prototypes of what they claim are the world’s first smart contact lenses.
These contacts contain sensors that can measure key metrics such as eye pressure, the rate of tear evaporation, and cornea temperature. The researchers say this information can help ophthalmologists detect potential eye diseases and prescribe medicine in more precise dosages.
Professor Chiu Chyun-cheng, who led the research team, says that it was difficult to create contacts that can be worn comfortably for long periods. He says the team used silicone hydrogel in the construction of the lenses to make sure they are comfortable against the cornea.
The team says it has spent nine years testing the lenses on animals, and plan to start testing on humans next year.