1. The search engine giant Google has developed a prototype lens
to aid people with diabetes in their daily activities by measuring
the glucose level in their tears via contact lens.
Six months after Google released news about the “smart lens”
prototype; it partnered with pharmaceutical company Novartis’
Alcon eye-care division to license and commercialize the product.
Google began its journey to create the prototype when it realized
the huge and growing problem with diabetes — affecting one in
every 19 people in the world. Glucose levels change frequently
with normal activity and sudden spikes or precipitous drops are
dangerous and not uncommon.
Although some have found it easier to wear glucose monitors
with a glucose sensor embedded under their skin, most people
with diabetes still need to prick their finger to test their blood
throughout the day. The smart contact lens is built to measure
glucose levels in tears using a tiny wireless chip and miniaturized
glucose sensor that are inserted between two layers of soft
contact lens material.
Prototypes are being
tested to generate
readings once per
second, possibly
serving as an early
warning for the wearer
by integrating tiny LED
lights that light up when glucose levels have crossed above or
below certain thresholds. Once the glucose levels are read, the
information will be communicated to the wearer’s mobile phone
or computer.
It will take some time before the device is ready to sell, but
Google’s partnership with Novartis is a move toward wearable
health technology. The increase in consumer demand will
also help expedite the process — especially considering the
International Diabetes Federation’s finding that one in 10 people
across the world’s population are predicted to have diabetes by
2035. AT
Wearable Health Technology
techbyte
Smart Contact Lens Prototype Photo © Google
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