Contact lens that can release drug could be used to treat glaucoma

A contact lens that can release a drug if it detects high pressure within the eye has been created by scientists who say it could help treat glaucoma.

Glaucoma is an eye disease that involves damage to the optic nerve, and can lead to blindness if not treated - The Guardian reports.

Researchers in China revealed they have developed a contact lens that can sense an increase in pressure within the eye and release an anti-glaucoma drug should the pressure exceed a certain level.

Writing in the journal Nature Communications, the team describe how they created the device using an upper and lower lens, with a snowflake-shaped pressure sensor and wireless power transfer device sandwiched between them around the rim of the lenses. The arrangement appears to give the effect of the wearer having golden irises. However, the team say the design allows the necessary components to be included in the device without blocking the wearer’s view or irritating the eye.