Contact today’s contact lenses which have come a long way past their basic function of a spectacles alternative. We see present day tech which includes better materials, computer designed optics, special myopia control patterns and in some cases health care delivery. Also in the works are smart contact lenses which will report on eye or tear based information. As a whole these changes are a part of a new age of vision innovation in which a thin medical device not only corrects vision but also in some cases supports diagnosis or treatment.
It is true that we must put into practice which ophthalmic options are available and which are still in the research stage. Silicone hydrogel lenses, daily disposables, toric designs, multifocals, myopia management lenses and a drug-eluting allergy lens are out there and in use in some markets. Many electronic sensor lenses for glucose detection, pressure measurement or augmented reality are still in the research phase. Thus it is to the benefit of the patient that he or she views futuristic claims with skepticism and to discuss a device’s intended use with an ophthalmologist.
How Contact Lens Technology Has Evolved
Earlier soft lens technologies were for basic refractive correction and water content. In terms of present contact lens technology we see great attention to oxygen permeability, surface wettability, tear film stability, friction, edge design, deposit resistance and movement during blinking. They play a role in clarity and comfort, also tear quality, eyelid health, environment and daily habits play a role.
This doesn’t mean our latest products are for all eyes.Advanced contact lenses are still prescription medical devices. We do a proper fit which includes evaluation of corneal shape, lens movement, centration, vision and the health of the eye. The CDC reports that contact lenses vary by material, wear schedule and replacement; also that you should have an eye care professional do an exam and instruction.
| Innovation | Main purpose | Current position |
| Silicone-hydrogel and surface-engineered lenses | Improve oxygen transmission and surface comfort | Widely available with prescription fitting |
| Toric and multifocal lenses | Correct astigmatism or support distance and near vision | Clinically available in several designs |
| Myopia-control lenses | Correct vision while helping slow myopia progression in selected children | Available in some regulated markets |
| Drug-eluting lenses | Release medicine while correcting refractive error | Limited to specific approved indications |
| Biosensing lenses | Measure tear or ocular signals | Mostly investigational |
| Display-enabled lenses | Project digital information into the visual field | Early research and engineering stage |
Better Materials and More Comfortable Surfaces
Silicone hydrogels saw a great shift in contact lens technology as they present more oxygen to the eye than many of the traditional hydrogels. Presently we see growth in research and development of the front surface of lenses. We have water gradient concepts, special coatings and wetting agents which in turn reduce friction and help the tear film to better spread over the lens.
Some which are very advanced contact lenses have surface treatments which reduce deposits or friction. In the research phase we also see into bio mimetic and antimicrobial coatings. This is a great area of development but at the same time persistent discomfort may be a sign of dry eye, allergy, poor fit, lens damage or excessive wear.
Clearer Vision for Astigmatism and Presbyopia
Toric lenses, which is what we use for astigmatism, must be in the proper position. In modern contact lens technology we see the use of stabilization zones, thinner profiles and precise manufacture which in turn reduces unexpected movement of the lens. A better positioned optical zone may in turn give you more stable vision when you are reading, driving or using a screen.
For presbyopia we see that advanced contact lenses use concentric zones and aspheric multifocal designs which in turn support distance, intermediate and near vision. Pupil size, lighting conditions and visual expectations play a role in adaptation which is why trial fitting and follow up adjustments may be had.
Myopia-Control Contact Lenses
One of the key forms of contact lens technology is that which relates to myopia control in children. These lenses present clear central vision which in turn presents a specialized optical zone to reduce the visual input related to excessive eye growth. The FDA reports on MiSight 1 Day which is a daily wear soft lens designed to reduce myopia progression which means this concept has indeed moved into the regulated clinical use in at least some markets.
My foray into advanced contact lenses for myopia management has found that it isn’t right for all kids. What we do see is that prescription, corneal health, hygiene, maturity and family support play large roles. Also in the specialty area of orthokeratology, soft rigid lenses are worn at night which causes temporary cornea reshaping. Both procedures require professional fit and ongoing monitoring from the doctors. We also note a push beyond what is present today in terms of visual clarity which is inclusive of the long term progress of myopia.
Drug-Releasing Lenses
Eye drops have a tendency to leave the ocular surface quickly through the action of blinking, tearing and drainage. In the area of drug delivery related to contact lens technology research is focused on keeping the medication near the eye for a longer period of time and to release it in a controlled way. Studied methods include drug loaded polymers, films, nanoparticles, microstructures and also electronically actuated delivery. Reviews from the US National Library of Medicine report on the promise of extended ocular residence and better drug availability.
This concept is past the theoretical stage. The FDA gave approval to a daily throw away contact lens which includes ketotifen for the purpose of reducing itch from allergic conjunctivitis at the same time which also corrects certain refractive errors. It has a specific indication which is to say not all drugs may be put into a lens. Still it is a great step forward in the development of advanced contact lenses and we have a practical example of vision innovation which is correction combined with therapy.
What Are Smart Contact Lenses?
smart contact lenses is what we use to refer to which include sensing, communication, therapeutic and display functions in addition to the normal corrective features of common lenses. We have seen research that includes microfluidic channels, miniature sensors, antennas, wireless circuits and color changing materials in their prototypes. In the case of tear fluid which is a source of physical and chemical info, the eye is the best place to put in wearables.
Potential uses include the tracking of pressure changes, temperature, pH, glucose or inflammatory markers. Some smart contact lenses which report back wirelessly, others which produce a color change visible via a camera. This field of contact lens technology could support more personal health monitoring but results are subject to tear flow, evaporation, lens movement and calibration. A tear based measurement is not to be taken as equal to a blood test or full eye exam.
| Proposed function | Possible benefit | Main challenge |
| Tear-biomarker sensing | Non-invasive tracking of selected markers | Calibration and clinical validation |
| Pressure-pattern monitoring | Longer observation outside a brief clinic visit | Accuracy and interpretation |
| Controlled drug release | Timed treatment close to the eye | Dose stability and safety |
| Augmented-reality display | Hands-free visual information | Power, heat and optical quality |
| Antimicrobial surface | Reduced microbial attachment | Long-term biocompatibility |
| Wireless data transfer | Remote review of measurements | Security and reliable power |
Pressure Monitoring and Glaucoma Research
Potential uses include the tracking of pressure changes, temperature, pH, glucose or inflammatory markers. Some smart contact lenses which report back wirelessly, others which produce a color change visible via a camera. This field of contact lens technology could support more personal health monitoring but results are subject to tear flow, evaporation, lens movement and calibration. A tear based measurement is not to be taken as equal to a blood test or full eye exam.
This application reports on the promise and issues related to contact lens technology. A monitoring lens has value only when it has been proven out, clinical in nature, and reported on by an eye care professional. Patients should not assume that a consumer device is a diagnostic tool for glaucoma.
Glucose and Other Tear Biomarkers
smart contact lenses have drawn interest for they put forth a needle free monitoring solution. In the lab we see that these lenses do report on tear based glucose which in turn we use to infer blood glucose but the former does not always mirror the latter. For wide scale use what is required is consistent sample collection, accurate calibration of the device, protection from external interference and that the info presented is safe to use in making medical decisions.
Researchers also report on inflammatory markers, electrolytes, stress related molecules and indicators of dry eye or infection. In terms of optical sensors they use fluorescence, photonic structures or color change, electronic systems require circuits, antennas or wireless power. This field of vision innovation is very much in growth but at the same time we must note that unregulated products should not be used for diagnosis of systemic disease.
Augmented-Reality Lenses
Display enabled smart lenses aim to put navigation or alerts right in your field of vision. That is a great engineering feat. The lens has to be clear, breathable and stable at the same time it is housing small components and is receiving power which does not produce harmful heat.
This is a very forward thinking version of contact lens technology which at present is not a typical replacement for phones, glasses or headsets. At early stages use may be for special purposes like accessibility, industrial support or medical which is a specialty. Progress in this area will not only depend on the display quality but also on corneal safety, reliable focus and long term wearability.
Safety Still Comes First
No, at present there is no contact lens technology which does away with the element of hygiene. Contact lenses are medical products, also which if not worn properly may cause microbial keratitis and other issues. The CDC reports that wearers should follow professional advice for wearing, cleaning and storing of lenses. Also the FDA reports that users do not put in their lenses which have been exposed to tap, bottled, distilled, lake or ocean water.
Both at the basic and at the advanced contact lenses are to be used as per the prescribed time. For reusable lenses to do so, which is right for them has to be determined, and salt water is not a solution for that. Water may change the shape of a soft lens, cause it to stick to the eye and in that process introduce harmful microorganisms. As the sensor enabled lenses come into wider use the same rules will apply.
Remove the lens and get in to see an eye care professional at the first sign of increasing redness, pain, light sensitivity, discharge, sudden blur or a persistent foreign body sensation. Do not use random eye drops to mask symptoms as contact lens related infections may present too.
Choosing the Right Lens
The safe use of contact lens technology is a result of an in depth eye exam. The ophthalmologist looks at the prescription, corneal shape, tear film, eyelids, work pattern and lifestyle. A child that is managed for myopia has a different plan than an adult who is a candidate for multifocal correction which is also a different case from a person with dry eye symptoms.
Ask that a product is in fact what it claims to be for its intended use, how frequently it should be used or replaced, if it is safe for overnight wear and which solutions are compatible with it. The term “advanced” is very broad and does not in and of itself guarantee quality. At ASG Eye Hospital we can do a proper assessment of your eyes to match the best lens material, design and care instructions to your individual eye health.
The Future of Contact Lens Technology
In the future we see contact lens technology may include sensing, secure communication and controlled treatment in one platform. Researchers are looking at flexible electronics, biodegradable materials, wireless power and antimicrobial surfaces. We may have lenses that will report on a clinical change and deliver a dose of medicine but that is still very much out on the horizon and will require large scale safety and effectiveness research.
Before wide scale adoption smart contact lenses must prove optical clarity, oxygen permeability, comfort, sterility, electrical safety, reliable communication, privacy protection and true clinical benefit. The best vision innovation will be that which solves a patient’s problem without the cornea’s health being compromised.
Conclusion
Modern in vitro development of contact lens technology has seen the introduction of improved materials, very precise optical designs, myopia management options and targeted drug delivery. Some advanced contact lenses are used as clinical tools at present while the development of sensor enabled systems is still in the works. We see great promise in smart contact lenses but for responsible growth we require accurate testing, regulatory approval and protection of the eye. The best vision innovation is that which gives useful correction of sight also supporting long term eye health.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the latest contact lens technology available?
At present we have silicone hydrogel materials, improved daily wear options, stable toric designs, multifocal lenses, myopia management devices and a drug eluting lens for a specific approved allergy indication.
2. Are smart contact lenses available for daily use?
Most of what has been put forth in terms of smart contact lenses which sense glucose levels, measure pressure, or have digital displays is still in the research stage. What is available and what is approved varies by country, so it is to your benefit to check with your ophthalmologist and the appropriate regulator.
3. Can advanced contact lenses slow myopia?
At present there are advanced contact lenses which we have for the treatment of myopia and which also include features to reduce the progression in some children. They require a professional fit, good hygiene practices and also regular follow up.
4. Can lenses release eye medicine?
Drug eluting lenses are a breakthrough in contact lens technology. We have an FDA approved daily disposable lens which releases ketotifen for the purpose of preventing eye itch from allergic conjunctivitis also it corrects certain refractive errors.
5. Can a smart lens measure blood sugar?
Experimental smart contact lenses which do report on glucose related tear signals are put forth but are not to be used in place of blood glucose testing. Calibration and clinical interpretation is still an issue.
6. Are high-tech lenses safer?
Technology in and of itself does not preclude infection or fit risk. All advanced contact lenses require clean care, proper replacement, a valid prescription and steer clear of unsafe water exposure.
7. Can vision innovation replace an eye examination?
No. Vision innovation may introduce improvements in correction, monitoring or treatment but we must still perform assessment of the cornea, retina, optic nerve, eye pressure and overall ocular health.
8. Who may not be suitable for contact lenses?
People which have an active infection, severe uncontrolled dry eye, certain corneal conditions or are unable to follow hygiene instructions may require an alternative. Referral to an ophthalmologist is recommended for determination of suitability which is based on examination results.
