New Delhi: Researchers have developed new contact lenses for the treatment of glaucoma, an eye condition that can lead to irreversible vision loss if left untreated. Glaucoma affects approximately 70 million people worldwide, but almost half of those suffering from the condition are not aware of it. Researchers said many cases of glaucoma, which usually develop slowly over time, are detected only during routine eye exams, by which time permanent damage has already occurred.
A new contact lens developed by researchers at Northumbria University in the UK and Bogazici University in Turkey can detect changes in eye pressure that indicate possible glaucoma. Glaucoma occurs when the optic nerve, which connects the eye to the brain, , becomes damaged, usually by a buildup of fluid in the front part of the eye, which increases the pressure inside the eye known as intra-ocular pressure (IOP).
The researchers said the new contact lenses contain micro-sensors that monitor changes in IOP over a period of several hours, sending the collected data wirelessly so that it can be analyzed by an ophthalmologist and given a diagnosis. The research, published in the journal Contact Lens and Anterior Eye, draws on findings from an initial pilot study of six participants. After determining that the technique works successfully, researchers now plan to conduct another study with a larger group of participants. Are planning, which will happen next year.
He said the lenses will be made commercially available through his spin-off company GlacoLens. According to the researchers, one advantage of using the GlacoLens contact lenses to diagnose glaucoma instead of traditional screening is that long-term Measurements can be taken more easily, providing a more accurate diagnosis.
“Intra-ocular pressure, or IOP, can vary significantly over a 24-hour period, so it is important to monitor continuously either at intervals or ideally throughout the day to get the best information about the patient’s eye health ” Professor Hamdi Torun of Northumbria University said.
“Traditional methods of measuring IOP initially involve going to the clinic for a measurement once a day, the results of which can be misleading due to the natural variation of IOP,” Torun said. The advantage of contact lenses is that a After the bar is inserted into the eye, the patient can go about their day as normal while their IOP measurement is recorded and sent to the doctor for analysis after the 24-hour testing period is complete, the researchers said. Said.
They said the new system was tested with six healthy volunteers, during which they were asked to drink 1.5 liters of water and lie flat to deliberately increase their IOP levels. The researchers said GlakoLens was used to collect contact lens data. , use an electrical passive sensor embedded in a disposable soft contact lens and a wearable electronic readout system to store and process, making the lens more comfortable and allowing the patient to go about their day normally Is.