Will Contact Lenses be Able to Transmit Medical Information?
May 9, 2011
Research engineers at the University of Washington are working on what they are calling a “bionic eye.” Their goal is to integrate micro antennas, sensors and readout electronics – on to a contact lens.
This opens up many functional possibilities. For examples, a sensor and a small radio on the lens would be able to send medical information, such as blood glucose levels, to the doctor. Putting a display into the lens would enable information such as maps to be projected into the field of vision without obstructing it. They could also provide night vision or close-up.
Powering the lens is still an area of development. The idea is to power it by an LED which picks up radio signals which in turn are converted by a small chip into energy to power the functions.
Laboratory testing has so far been promising.
For a U of Washington video on the project, click here.
Risa Schulman, PhD
Expert, Healthy Food and Dietary Supplement Science, Marketing and Regulatory
Tap~Root
Comments
Jump down to form below to submit your own comments
