New research published in Light: Science & Applications presented a multifunctional, state-of-the-art contact lens developed to protect against ultraviolet (UV) radiation and acclimate to temperature variations.
Let’s start with some background.
“Smart” contact lenses are rapidly advancing as noninvasive diagnostic and therapeutic treatment and management options for ocular diseases like cataracts.
The investigators highlighted excessive exposure to UV light as one of the major causes for the development of cataracts—as well as age-related macular degeneration (AMD), photokeratitis, and eyelid malignancies.
As a result, the development of UV protective contact lenses and transition lenses (such as ACUVUE OASYS with Transitions by Johnson & Johnson Vision; the only commercially available lens of its kind that also blocks UV) have sprung up in recent years as wearable therapies that target managing and potentially diminishing disease symptoms.
So how does temperature come into play?
Per the researchers, ocular diseases are significantly impacted by surface temperature; and as such, variations in ocular temperature has also been associated with an inflammatory response that may aggregate in:
- Dry eye
- Glaucoma
- Diabetic retinopathy (DR)
As a result, “interest in real-time monitoring of ocular surface temperature using biosensing contact lenses has grown significantly over the past few years,” they stated.
Which brings us to this contact lens?
Indeed it does.
Researchers from Khalifa University in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, developed a… (deep breath here)… “simple low-cost multifunctional transition and temperature-sensitive” contact lens via a molding technique and based on two smart materials:
- Photochromic (molecules are activated in response to UV exposure) powder
- Thermochromic (altered due to temperature change) powder
The low-cost aspect of this lens is due to the use of these powders, with the goal to provide a more cost-effective treatment for managing and possibly even preventing certain ocular diseases.
Tell me more.
Designed as a transition material, the contact lens is intended to block a maximum absorption of 45% of UV and a maximum of 20% of blue light under regular lighting conditions.
Upon UV exposure, it absorbs portions of visible light—darkening in real time.
How long does it take to darken?
The speed and intensity varies, depending entirely on which specific photochromic material is being utilized.
To note, even in an inactive state with no UV illumination, the customizable contact lens “can be used indoors as protective contact lenses against blue and minimal UV light,” the investigators wrote.
Significance?
Per the research team, this contact lens has the potential to be used as both a therapeutic and diagnostic wearable for monitoring and the potential prevention of certain ocular diseases.