Future models could have thousands of points with invisible nanosilver lines. Medicine to lower the pressure inside the eye could also be loaded into the contact lens. A mild electrical charge, unnoticeable to the wearer, would push the medication into the eye and monitor its effect -- or lack thereof. Putting medication directly into something that many people have to wear every day could ensure that patients are taking their medication, said Jack Cioffi, editor of the Journal of Glaucoma, who was not involved in the UC Davis research. "Roughly one-third of all kidney transplant patients go off drugs that could save their lives in less than a year," said Cioffi. "You trust that people are taking the medication, but we would like to ensure that they are compliant, and then see if the drugs are working." Cioffi notes that other available devices can monitor internal eye pressure, but they require implantation surgery, a risk that the new contact lenses would avoid. "Overall, this device has good promise because it's clear, can be made into a contact lens, is bio-compatable... and would make for a non-invasive intraocular pressure measuring device," said Cioffi. Related Links: |
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