Researchers at Tohoku University have onenew type of smart contact lensesdeveloped that can prevent dry eyes. That in the trade magazineAdvanced Materials TechnologiesThe self-humidification system described is based on a mechanism that forms a layer of liquid between the contact lens and the eye.
Smart contact lenses are already enjoying great popularity in the entertainment industry. You canAugmented-Reality-Features, film and save videos and much more. The technology should also be safe and user-friendly at the same time.
“Although there has been much progress recently in new features for smart contact lenses, little progress has been made in solving the disadvantages associated with daily contact lens wear,” says Professor Matsuhiko Nishizawa, an engineer at Tohoku University.
One of the biggest problems with contact lenses is that they can cause “dry eye syndrome” due to reduced blinking and increased moisture evaporation. Sicca syndrome can lead to corneal wounds and inflammation, as well as discomfort.
To address this important problem, researchers developed a new mechanism that keeps the lens moist. The system uses electroosmotic flow (EOF), in which the movement of a liquid is induced by charge. In this case, a current applied to a hydrogel causes fluid to flow from the patient's temporary tear reservoir behind the lower eyelid up to the surface of the eye.
“This is the first demonstration that EOF in a soft contact lens can keep the lens moist,” says Nishizawa.
The researchers also investigated the possibility of using wireless power for the contact lenses. They tested two types of batteries, a magnesium-oxygen battery and an enzymatic fructose fuel cell. Both are known to be safe and non-toxic to living cells. They showed that the system can be successfully operated using these biobatteries, which can be attached directly to the charged contact lens.
Further research is needed to develop improved self-lubricating contact lenses that are more durable and can operate at smaller currents.
“In the future, there is an opportunity to expand this technology for other applications, such as drug delivery,” said Nishizawa.
Those:Advanced Materials Technologies/ “Self‐Moisturizing Smart Contact Lens Employing Electroosmosis.”
