Smart contact lens alleviates dry eye syndrome

The self-moisturising lens, which works by maintaining a layer of fluid between the contact lens and the eye, is described in Advanced Materials Technologies.

"Although there have been many recent advancements in new functions for smart contact lenses, there has been little progress in solving the drawbacks associated with wearing contact lenses day to day," said Prof Matsuhiko Nishizawa, an engineer at Tohoku University.

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One drawback with contact lenses is that they can cause dry eye syndrome due to reduced blinking and increased moisture evaporation. Dry eye syndrome can lead to corneal wounds, inflammation, and a feeling of discomfort.

According to the University, the system uses electroosmotic flow (EOF), which causes liquid to flow when a voltage is applied across a charged surface. In this case, a current applied to a hydrogel causes fluid to flow upwards from the patient's temporary tear reservoir behind the lower eyelid to the surface of the eye.