Google and Novartis set their sights on ‘smart contact lens’ market
Google and drugs firm Novartis have formed an alliance to develop and market a new generation of ‘smart contact lens’ to monitor glucose levels in the tears of diabetes patients.
The eye opening plan will see a tiny glucose sensor and wireless transmitter embedded on the outer circumference of each lens, building on a smart lens prototype unveiled by the search giant back in January.
Embedded within a contact lens sandwich the sensor can log the outside environment by way of a pin hole size incision through which tear drops can be assessed.
Commenting on the deal Google co-founder Sergey Brin said: “Our dream is to the latest technology in the miniaturisation of electronics to help improve the quality of life for millions of people. We are very escited to work with Novartis to make this dream come true.”
Further refinement of the design is planned in future, including new lens technology to reinstate the eye’s natural focus for those who are long sighted.