Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 31, 2026
08:28
Development of an In Vitro Ocular Platform to Test Contact Lenses
Published on: April 6, 2016
10.6K
Smart theranostic contact lenses
Seong-Jong Kim1, Jin Huh1, Sei Kwang Hahn1
1Department of Materials Science and Engineering, Pohang University of Science and Technology (POSTECH), 77 Cheongam-ro, Nam-gu, Pohang, Gyeongbuk 37673, Republic of Korea.
Summary
Smart contact lenses show promise for theranostics, offering biomarker detection and drug delivery. Challenges in clinical development and commercialization need addressing for personalized medicine applications.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Biomedical Engineering
- Materials Science
Background:
- Smart contact lenses offer advanced theranostic capabilities, integrating sensing and drug delivery.
- Current research highlights potential in detecting biomarkers like glucose, intraocular pressure (IOP), and inflammatory cytokines.
- These lenses also function as drug delivery systems (DDS) for targeted ocular therapy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current status and capabilities of smart theranostic contact lenses.
- To discuss challenges and opportunities in clinical development and commercialization.
- To explore future directions for personalized medicine applications.
Main Methods:
- Perspective-based review of existing literature and technological advancements.
- Analysis of smart contact lens applications in sensing and drug delivery.
- Discussion of clinical, regulatory, and manufacturing hurdles.
Main Results:
- Smart contact lenses are advancing as integrated diagnostic and therapeutic platforms.
- Key applications include continuous glucose monitoring, IOP tracking, and cytokine detection.
- Controlled drug delivery for ocular conditions is a significant capability.
Conclusions:
- Smart theranostic contact lenses hold significant potential for personalized ocular medicine.
- Addressing safety, efficacy, and mass-production challenges is crucial for commercialization.
- Further research is needed to establish these lenses as versatile platforms for advanced healthcare.
