Glaucoma is a serious eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if not detected and treated early. It affects around 70 million people worldwide, but about half of them are unaware of their condition . Glaucoma is caused by a build-up of fluid in the front part of the eye, which increases the pressure inside the eye, known as intra-ocular pressure (IOP) . IOP can vary greatly over a 24-hour period, so it is important to monitor it continuously for a better diagnosis .
Researchers from Northumbria University, UK, and Bogazici University in Turkey have developed a novel contact lens that can diagnose glaucoma by detecting changes in IOP . The contact lens works by integrating micro-sensors into the lens material, which measure the deformation of the cornea caused by changes in IOP . The micro-sensors then transmit the data wirelessly to an ophthalmologist for analysis . The contact lens is comfortable and non-intrusive, allowing the wearer to carry on with their daily activities while the lens records their eye pressure .
The researchers have conducted a pilot study with six participants and found that the contact lens technology works successfully . They plan to carry out a larger study before making the lens commercially available through their spin-off company GlakoLens . This breakthrough in glaucoma detection could improve patient outcomes by facilitating early diagnosis and continuous monitoring of the condition.