A Multifunctional Smart Soft Contact Lens Device Enabled by Nanopore Thin Film for Glaucoma Diagnostics and <i>In Situ</i> Drug Delivery

Abstract

In this paper, we report a new power-free multifunctional soft contact lens device that can measure intraocular pressure (IOP), achieve extended drug delivery in situ, and detect glaucoma biomarkers, all within the same device. Experiments demonstrate that the contact lens sensor can detect Interleukin 12p70, one possible biomarker for glaucoma, in a concentration as low as 2 pg/ml in artificial tears. The sustained drug release of the contact lens device can last up to 30 days. In ex vivo tests using cadaver pig eyes, the sensor detected IOP in a range of 10-50 mmHg with excellent repeatability.