Smart contact lenses are a new class of wearable technology worn directly on the eye. These devices merge traditional contact lens technology with advanced microelectronics, aiming to provide digital information or monitor health data. They offer capabilities beyond simple vision correction, enhancing human interaction with digital information and offering insights into personal health.
Core Technology and Functionality
A key component of smart contact lenses is the micro-display, often utilizing microLED technology. These incredibly small displays, such as Mojo Vision’s 0.48mm display with 14,000 pixels per inch, are positioned directly in front of the pupil. This allows the lens to project images onto the retina, focusing light onto the fovea without obstructing normal sight.
Powering such a tiny device on the eye presents a unique challenge. Researchers are exploring various methods, including wireless power transfer from an external source. Another approach involves energy harvesting, which can draw power from ambient light using flexible silicon solar cells or even from the eye’s own movements, such as blinking.
Miniaturized sensors and a tiny processor are embedded within the biocompatible material of the lens. These sensors can detect various physiological parameters or environmental data, while the processor handles data analysis and computation. For instance, some prototypes include accelerometers, gyroscopes, and magnetometers to track eye movements for display stabilization and user interaction.
Data communication relies on a tiny, integrated antenna, which enables the lens to send and receive information wirelessly. This antenna can facilitate communication with an external device, such as a smartphone or a small relay unit worn on the body. Wireless protocols like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or RFID-compatible systems are being developed to ensure seamless data transfer for both input and output.
Medical and Health Monitoring Applications
Smart contact lenses are being developed to enhance medical monitoring by offering non-invasive ways to gather health data directly from the eye. A key application is continuous glucose monitoring, aiming to provide an alternative for individuals with diabetes. A sensor in the lens can analyze glucose levels in tear fluid, providing real-time data without traditional finger-prick blood tests.
Another medical use focuses on intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring for managing glaucoma, a condition that can lead to vision loss. The lens can continuously measure pressure within the eye, offering more consistent data than intermittent in-office checks. Some prototypes integrate sensors to detect subtle changes in eye distension, which correlates with IOP.
Beyond these applications, smart contact lenses show promise for other medical uses. They could be adapted for targeted drug delivery to the eye, releasing medication over an extended period. Researchers are also exploring their ability to monitor other biomarkers in tears, which could provide early detection for systemic or ocular diseases.
Augmented Reality and Information Display
Smart contact lenses are also being developed to enhance daily interactions by integrating augmented reality (AR) and information display directly into the wearer’s field of vision. This concept, sometimes called “invisible computing,” allows digital information to seamlessly blend with the real world. The goal is to provide relevant data without requiring users to look at a separate screen.
Users could see turn-by-turn navigation arrows overlaid on the road ahead, guiding them through unfamiliar environments. Notifications for messages, incoming calls, or even a weather forecast could appear discreetly, eliminating the need to check a phone or smartwatch. This hands-free access to information aims to reduce distractions and enhance situational awareness.
Smart contacts could display real-time performance data for athletes, such as speed, distance, or heart rate, directly during a workout. Professionals might use them to display talking points for a presentation or repair instructions for machinery, keeping their focus on the task at hand. This integration of digital information into natural sight offers a new level of immersive interaction.
Current Development and Availability
Despite advancements in smart contact lens technology, these devices are not currently available for public purchase. The technology remains largely in the prototype and research and development phases across various companies and academic institutions. Extensive testing is still required to ensure their safety, comfort, and reliability for long-term wear.
Several companies are active in this space, including Mojo Vision, which has developed the Mojo Lens and received FDA Breakthrough Device designation for its potential as a low-vision aid. While Google previously explored a glucose-sensing lens project that was later discontinued, other major technology companies like Samsung are also researching smart contact lens capabilities.
A key hurdle for commercial availability is obtaining regulatory approval, particularly from bodies like the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for medical applications. This process involves rigorous clinical trials and evaluations to ensure the device is both safe and effective for human use. The timeline for widespread consumer availability is uncertain, likely several years away as development continues to progress.