Researchers from the University of California Davis (UCD) has developed ‘Smart’ contact lenses that measure pressure within the eye and dispense medication accordingly.

Starting with a material called polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS), researcher from UCD developed a method for placing powdered silver on the PDMS in a precise pattern, to create conductive wires.

The researchers, including Tingrui Pan and Hailin Cong, then shaped the PDMS-silver into a contact-lens shape, and showed its function as a pressure sensor.

Glaucoma, a build-up of pressure in the eye, is a leading cause of blindness worldwide. A contact lens that could continuously measure pressure within the eye and relay the data to a computer, allowing doctors to learn more about glaucoma and improve patient treatment.

The researchers plan to apply for approval to begin trials for the lenses in humans.