It is estimated that nearly half a million people in England and Wales have Glaucoma, many of whom administer daily eye drops. A new “smart” contact lens could prove to be a welcome alternative.

The new contact lens, designed to deliver medication gradually to the eye, has been successfully trialled on glaucomatous monkeys. In a study published in Ophthalmology, a team of researchers have shown that the new contact lens-based system is at least as effective as daily eye drops for glaucoma. Ultimately the technology could improve outcomes for patients with a range of conditions requiring treatment with eye drops.

As the new system would not rely on patient administration, accurate dosage could be ensured, thereby removing the potential for human error. The researchers are currently designing clinical trials to determine the safety and efficacy of the lenses in humans.

Sources:

1. Medical Xpress:
   Drug-dispensing contact lens effectively lowers eye pressure in glaucoma model.

2. Ophthalmology:
   : Latanoprost-Eluting Contact Lenses in Glaucomatous Monkeys.