Contact lens device
University of Liverpool engineers developed a novel contact lens device to improve the treatment of glaucoma. The device reliably track pressure changes in the eye and wearable by people who took part in clinical study.
The contact lens device continuously measure fluid pressure in the eye, intraocular pressure (IOP). The elevation of which is a cause of glaucoma and if not managed can lead to loss of vision.
Currently, IOP measured in glaucoma patients during clinic visits which usually twice a year. But, this characterization of IOP unreliable as IOP is dynamic and easily affected by psychological and environmental factors, such as stress or sleeping.
Intra Ocular Pressure
The device made of a soft silicone hydrogel material to ensure it is comfortable to wear, contains a pressure sensor which detects changes in IOP continuously over a period of up to 24 hours. These changes transmitted wirelessly to an easily portable external controller which collects the data and provides clinicians with much needed. But, currently unavailable data assist with glaucoma treatment.
A small scale of the novel device involved 12 volunteers who wore the new contact lens device for more than an hour while under constant clinical observation.
Results from the study found the device can changes in the IOP, with minimal impact and little discomfort to the patient.
Glaucoma, a leading cause of irreversible blindness affected 67million worldwide, and costing the NHS more than £1billion a year. The aim of glaucoma treatment is to control IOP in order to minimise further damage, and avoid loss of vision.
The results of this study show that the device is comfortable for people to wear and gives good measurements of the IOP.
This device has the potential to provide millions of sufferers of glaucoma with much needed information which will ensure that they treated correctly and that their good vision can maintain and damage kept to a minimum.
