Scientists have made a breakthrough in eye health by creating contact lenses equipped with sensors to measure eye pressure. These lenses can send this data to eye specialists for evaluation, with the goal of detecting glaucoma early on, preventing irreversible vision loss.
Glaucoma arises when increased pressure inside the eye damages the optic nerve connecting the eye to the brain. It often results from fluid build-up in the front part of the eye. If left untreated, glaucoma can lead to permanent vision impairment. The problem is, it's often referred to as the 'silent thief of sight' because it progresses slowly, causing harm before any noticeable vision loss occurs. By the time routine eye tests catch glaucoma, the damage may already be done.
Researchers from Northumbria University in the UK and Boğaziçi University in Turkey collaborated on a solution. They developed contact lenses, named GlakoLens, designed to detect fluctuations in intraocular pressure (IOP), a key indicator of glaucoma. These lenses have undergone trials in people.
The lenses feature an electrically passive sensor embedded in a disposable soft contact lens made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS). Data is wirelessly collected by a wearable electronic readout system, which then processes and stores the information. Subsequently, an ophthalmologist evaluates the processed data.
Compared to traditional eye exams, GlakoLens offers a distinct advantage in measuring IOP over an extended period, leading to more accurate diagnoses. Hamdi Torun, the study's lead researcher, emphasized the importance of continuous or interval monitoring to understand eye health fully.
Traditional IOP measurements involve a single visit to a clinic, which may yield misleading results due to natural IOP variations. Further investigations may require a full-day hospital stay for repeated measurements using a technique called Goldmann applanation tonometry (GAT), involving numbing the eye and touching the cornea with a small cone to measure pressure.
GlakoLens provides a less invasive experience. Once placed in the eye, patients can continue their daily activities while the lens records IOP measurements. These measurements are then sent to a doctor for analysis after a 24-hour testing period.
The researchers tested GlakoLens on six healthy volunteers who intentionally increased their IOP by drinking water and lying flat. The lens accurately responded to water loading, with results consistent with measurements from the right eye without a lens.
Future experiments with larger groups will assess the sensor's accuracy and reliability, with plans to enhance comfort and non-invasiveness in subsequent iterations.
While not the first glaucoma-detecting contact lenses, GlakoLens distinguishes itself by utilizing an electrically passive sensor and a soft contact lens for wearer comfort. The researchers believe the technology's potential extends beyond glaucoma detection, foreseeing its use in detecting other health conditions by measuring various molecules present in the eye, such as glucose and lactic acid.
In conclusion, this technology could not only safeguard the vision of early-stage glaucoma patients but also contribute to the early diagnosis of various diseases in the future, according to Torun and the research team
Site speed is a huge plus no waiting around.
ReplyDeleteThe donation process is straightforward and secure.
ReplyDeleteThe site radiates a welcoming and inclusive vibe.
ReplyDeleteGreat content! I learned a lot from this.
ReplyDeleteYour enthusiasm for [topic] is like a bright spotlight – illuminating the fascinating aspects and making them easy to appreciate.
ReplyDeleteThis content is a must-read for anyone interested in topic.
ReplyDeleteBravo! The quality is top-notch.
ReplyDeleteTHIS is amazing website
ReplyDelete"I've learned so much from this website – it's my online mentor."
ReplyDeleteThe website is my go-to for staying informed.
ReplyDeleteThe site's responsiveness is a testament to its quality.
ReplyDeleteThis blog provides a fresh perspective on a familiar subject.
ReplyDelete