CONTACT LENSES (CLs) are among the most widely used noninvasive biomedical devices, being predominantly prescribed for vision correction (Shaker et al, 2024). Recently, there has been a growing interest in using CLs for a wide range of novel applications (Zhu et al, 2022; Jones et al, 2021). Globally, more than 150 million people use CLs, and their market value is expected to reach $18.30 billion by 2032, from $10.45 billion in 2023 (Moreddu et al, 2019; Fortune Business Insights, 2023). Given each eye’s unique anatomical and therapeutic needs, the development of a truly “personalized CL” is attractive, as this concept would address patients’ needs in the broader aspects of health issues. There could be meticulously “crafted” requirements for ocular or systemic disorders that regular lenses may not adequately solve (Childs et al, 2016).
Customized CLs Beyond Vision Correction
CL materials can be functionalized with various chemical moieties to incorporate specific therapeutic agents and biosensors, allowing for the fabrication of CLs that not only correct vision but also serve as platforms for patient-specific ocular and systemic disease management (Jones et al, 2021; Yadav et al, 2024). Embedding biosensors or microchips into CLs, an emerging area of research, allows for detecting and monitoring numerous biochemical analytes, including glucose levels in the tear film (Bamgboje et al, 2021), blood oxygenation and pulse rate in conjunctival vessels (Ho and Amirparviz, 2015), intraocular pressure (Zhang et al, 2022), cancer (Shetty et al, 2024), ocular surface temperature, and tear film and ocular surface pH (Shi et al, 2021). This could lead to improved patient-centered solutions in disease management, medical diagnostics, and fitness-tracking technology.
Interestingly, recent advancements in 3D printing technology have revolutionized the fabrication of CLs, allowing the production of highly customized geometries that significantly enhance both comfort and optical performance (Hisham et al, 2023). This cutting-edge technology enables precise fine-tuning of lens thickness, curvature, and microporosity using computer-aided design (CAD) software. It augments the production of highly complex lens designs that were previously difficult to manufacture, addressing a broader spectrum of individual visual concerns and giving a great insight into their prospective personalized use as both visual aids and drug delivery devices (Shaker et al, 2024; Hittini et al, 2023; Barcena et al, 2023; Goto et al, 2023).
Additionally, in the ever-changing world of technology, artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a key element of interest in future CLs. AI algorithms are employed to design customized CLs that consider a broad spectrum of visual needs and extend CL use beyond vision correction (Ali et al, 2024; Lan et al, 2022). AI-driven microchips and/or sensors embedded within CLs can permit data recording, analysis, and display directly into the user’s field of vision for precise, patient-specific disease management, advancing augmented reality CLs and display technology (Park et al, 2018). The technology also enables monitoring of the fit of the lenses through corneal and scleral coherence tomography imaging and analysis. The cumulative data analyzed by AI-based CLs provides valuable information for learning how to tailor the lens to fit a particular patient over time for better vision and broader health and technological uses (Kading, 2023).
Future Perspectives
The next generation of CL technology appears bright, with plenty of potential breakthroughs and new applications on the horizon. The innovation of highly customized CLs is continually evolving to satisfy the growing demand for enhanced comfort and diverse applications.
As technology advances, AI likely will be fully integrated into CLs over the next few years and the innovation opportunities will be mind-blowing. It is a promising and exciting new technology that potentially can transform how we perceive and interact with the environment. However, there remain concerns regarding safety and privacy, especially with electronic CLs that can collect sensitive information such as biometrics, so adequate regulations will be required moving forward.
References
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