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Scientists have developed contact lenses that detect glucose levels
Last reviewed: 02.07.2025
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Patients with type 1 diabetes will soon be able to measure their blood sugar levels and coordinate the function of their insulin pumps using a special sensor device built into their contact lenses.
The built-in sensor device will be able to continuously determine the glucose level in the patient's tears. The new technological method was developed by specialists from the American University of Oregon.
For their development, the design engineers used a glucose level detector for a non-invasive glucometric test based on amorphous gallium transistors. This sensor device has a unique property: it is completely transparent. The sensor is easily connected to an external monitor or insulin pump. This makes it possible to monitor the sugar level in the body without resorting to injections or skin punctures.
The complete transparency of the device is an undoubted plus. The developers only have to think about how exactly to integrate electronics into contact lenses and how to transmit information.
The pioneers of the new technology hope that the listed technical problems will be solved over the next few years. After all, the idea itself is very original and practical. The vast majority of patients suffering from diabetes would definitely prefer this method of monitoring sugar levels to ordinary household glucometers.
“We have completely transparent sensor devices in front of us – and they do their job very well. That’s the key,” said Greg Herman, a doctoral student in chemical engineering at OSU. “Our goal now is to find a solution to the issue of how to implement and establish communication with contact lenses. If we solve this problem successfully, then we will have an effective replacement for glucose meters.”
If a person has a disease such as diabetes, it is extremely important for him to constantly monitor the sugar level: any significant fluctuation in glucose can lead to deterioration of health and development of unpleasant consequences. Therefore, the use of a glucometer has become a vital necessity for most patients.
Many experts recommend that even healthy people measure their blood glucose levels at least once a year. By monitoring this level, any person can regulate it if necessary, preventing serious complications.
Nowadays, there are many methods for measuring sugar levels. Of course, the smaller and more portable the glucometer, the more convenient it is to use. After all, glucose levels often need to be monitored not only at home, but also at work or while traveling. For this reason, built-in sensors would be very useful. Perhaps, thanks to them, it would be possible to reduce the rates of adverse effects in diabetics.
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