Safe, Durable, and Sustainable Self-Powered Smart Contact Lenses

Abstract

Smart contact lenses have the potential to serve as noninvasive healthcare devices or virtual displays. However, their implementation is limited by the lack of suitable power sources for microelectronic devices. This Article demonstrates smart contact lenses with fully embedded glucose fuel cells that are safe, flexible, and durable against deformations. These fuel cells produced stable power throughout the day or during intermittent use after storage for weeks. When the lenses were exposed to 0.05 mM glucose solution, a steady-state maximum power density of 4.4 μW/cm2 was achieved by optimizing the chemistry and porous structure of the fuel cell components. Additionally, even after bending the lenses in half 100 times, the fuel cell performance was maintained without any mechanical failure. Lastly, when the fuel cells were connected to electroresponsive hydrogel capacitors, we could clearly distinguish between the tear glucose levels under normal and diabetic conditions through the naked eye.

Smart Contact Lenses as Wearable Ophthalmic Devices for Disease Monitoring and Health Management

“…Additionally, some materials can be designed to respond to external stimuli, such as light or electromagnetic fields, to enable advanced functionality. We have introduced some of the unique materials chosen for the fabrication of an SCL and their intended applications below (Figure a). − …”

The Future of Vision: A Review of Electronic Contact Lenses Technology

“…While e-CLs offer many benefits, there are several limitations that must be addressed before they become widely adopted, including power sources, manufacturing techniques. 98 Currently, people use head-mounted displays (HMDs) to experience the visual and auditory aspects of the AR/VR world. However, most HMD devices available today are large and heavy, causing discomfort and reducing immersion.…”

“…This is done by building a simple electronic circuit of that acts as a glucose sensor . This lens contains a flexible circuit that is able to change the shape of the lens in response to electrical signals, allowing it to adjust the lens power dynamically . Another example is the prototype developed by Swiss company Sensimed, which contains a microcontroller that is able to adjust the lens power based on changes in IOP .…”

“…AR CLs provide augmented reality displays, which can enhance the user’s experience with technology. While e-CLs offer many benefits, there are several limitations that must be addressed before they become widely adopted, including power sources, manufacturing techniques …”

“…97 This lens contains a flexible circuit that is able to change the shape of the lens in response to electrical signals, allowing it to adjust the lens power dynamically. 98 Another example is the prototype developed by Swiss company Sensimed, which contains a microcontroller that is able to adjust the lens power based on changes in IOP. 71 Overall, e-CLs are a rapidly evolving technology with the potential to transform the way we interact with the world.…”