Advancements in Contact Lenses as Theranostics

Article: Contact Lenses to Advance Well Beyond Refractive Error Correction
Source: University of Waterloo (Canada), via EyeWire News
Published: March 29, 2021

Microbiosensor in a contact lens case
that can indicate microbial contamination

The Centre for Ocular Research & Education (CORE) published a comprehensive review of upcoming advancements in contact lenses as part of a special edition Contact Lens Evidence-based Academic Reports (CLEAR) series. The review highlights contact lens applications beyond refractive error correction, using diverse technologies such as "novel biomaterials, nanotechnology progress, unique optical designs, biosensing discoveries, antibacterial agents and even battery miniaturization and power transfer," according to the paper's lead author. Applications range from detecting ocular and systemic disease biomarkers in the tear film to monitoring intraocular pressure with progress in integrated circuitry, to microelectronics that monitor corneal gaze direction and adjust in real-time for presbyopia correction. Advancements in fluid dynamics and materials science could also provide alternative therapies for dry eye disease or mitigate color vision deficiencies (by filtering light). Another exciting potential for contact lenses is in theranostics, "the multi-disciplinary medical field that combines therapeutics and diagnostics." For example, contact lenses could act as a drug delivery alternative to eye drops, with advantages such as increasing the residence time of a drug on the ocular surface for more continuous drug regimens. The review ends with highlights of contact lens case designs that mitigate contamination. While many of these projects are in early stages, a review of developments in the field of contact lenses beyond refractive error correction, where contact lenses continue to make ubiquitous impact, is a worthwhile addition to the literature.

My rating of this study: ⭐⭐⭐

Jones L, Hui A, Phan C, et al. "CLEAR - Contact lens technologies of the future." Contact Lens & Anterior Eye.  44(2):398–430. 1 April 2021. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.clae.2021.02.007