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Cite as: Archiv EuroMedica. 2025. 15; 2. DOI 10.35630/2025/15/2.202
,
Szczepan Pośpiech2 , ,
Piotr Serwicki1 , jessika.schendzielorz@gmail.com
Aims: This review provides a comprehensive analysis of the current advancements and future potential of smart contact lenses (SCLs) in personalized medicine. It examines their applications in diagnostics, continuous health monitoring, and therapeutics while addressing the technical, regulatory, and clinical challenges that must be overcome for widespread clinical adoption.
Methods: A systematic literature review was conducted using PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. Seventeen peer-reviewed articles were selected based on their relevance, novelty, and applicability to smart lens technology. The selected studies were categorized into five thematic areas: biomarker detection, real-time health monitoring, materials and power systems, therapeutic applications, and commercialization challenges.
Results: Smart contact lenses have demonstrated significant potential in non-invasive, real-time monitoring of biomarkers such as glucose, intraocular pressure (IOP), and inflammatory proteins through tear analysis. Additionally, they enable controlled drug delivery for conditions like glaucoma and dry eye syndrome. Key technological advancements include integrated biosensors, wireless data transmission, and energy-efficient power solutions. However, challenges such as sensor miniaturization, long-term biocompatibility, stable energy supply, regulatory hurdles, and cost-effective mass production remain critical obstacles to their clinical implementation.
Conclusions: Smart contact lenses are emerging as a transformative tool in digital healthcare, enabling continuous patient monitoring and personalized therapeutic interventions. Future research directions should focus on AI-driven analytics, energy harvesting solutions, and multi-biomarker detection to enhance their clinical utility. Successful integration into mainstream medicine will require interdisciplinary collaboration, regulatory standardization, and advancements in scalable manufacturing techniques.
In recent years, rapid advancements in biomedical engineering, nanotechnology, and microelectronics have significantly transformed the landscape of personalized medicine. Among the most notable innovations are wearable biosensors and real-time physiological monitoring systems, which have become central to preventive healthcare and chronic disease management. A particularly transformative development in this context is the emergence of smart contact lenses (SCLs)—wearable ophthalmic devices that integrate miniaturized biosensors, wireless communication modules, and energy-efficient systems to enable continuous, non-invasive health monitoring and localized drug delivery.
Initially developed for vision correction, SCLs have evolved into multifunctional diagnostic platforms capable of analyzing tear fluid, a non-invasively accessible medium rich in biomarkers reflecting both systemic and ocular health. These lenses can monitor critical physiological parameters such as blood glucose concentration, intraocular pressure (IOP), hydration levels, and early indicators of neurodegenerative or inflammatory conditions. Among the biosensing technologies employed, electrochemical sensors—particularly glucose oxidase-based enzymatic systems—demonstrate the highest specificity and real-time responsiveness for glucose tracking. Optical sensors, on the other hand, show great promise in detecting IOP fluctuations due to their minimal power consumption and high sensitivity to corneal deformation. Capacitive and impedance-based sensors are being explored for hydration and ion monitoring, but their integration poses greater miniaturization and calibration challenges.
This wireless diagnostic capability positions SCLs as a powerful tool in telemedicine, enabling continuous health tracking outside clinical settings. Their potential application in the management of chronic conditions such as diabetes, glaucoma, uveitis, and dry eye syndrome further underscores their value in personalized healthcare frameworks.
Beyond diagnostics, smart contact lenses are also gaining traction as drug delivery platforms. Conventional treatments—such as eye drops and ointments—suffer from low drug bioavailability, as most medication is rapidly removed via tear film dynamics. In contrast, drug-eluting lenses provide a sustained-release mechanism that enhances therapeutic efficacy and reduces the frequency of administration. This approach has shown considerable clinical potential in treating glaucoma, chronic dry eye, ocular inflammation, and in post-surgical corneal repair through delivery of anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, or regenerative agents.
Despite these promising features, several challenges impede the large-scale adoption of smart contact lenses in clinical practice. Technical hurdles include ensuring continuous micro-power supply, long-term biocompatibility of materials, and effective miniaturization of electronic components without impairing lens transparency or comfort. Moreover, data privacy and cybersecurity risks associated with wireless health monitoring remain critical concerns.
On the regulatory side, approval pathways are complex and vary across jurisdictions. In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) classifies SCLs intended for therapeutic or diagnostic use as Class II or Class III medical devices, requiring rigorous premarket approval (PMA) supported by extensive safety and efficacy data. In the European Union, the European Medicines Agency (EMA) imposes similar scrutiny through the Medical Device Regulation (MDR), which mandates conformity assessments and clinical performance evaluations. Specific hurdles include the lack of harmonized standards for smart biosensors, difficulties in conducting long-term biocompatibility trials, and limited real-world data to support efficacy claims.
This review aims to provide a comprehensive and critical synthesis of the current state of smart contact lens technology. It evaluates the relative performance of various biosensing modalities, therapeutic delivery mechanisms, and material systems, while also addressing the technical, clinical, and regulatory barriers to implementation. The article presents emerging research directions, including AI-integrated health analytics, energy-autonomous lens systems, and scalable fabrication techniques such as 3D printing and laser-assisted photopolymerization—each of which holds significant potential for accelerating the translation of smart lenses from laboratory prototypes to clinically viable solutions.
The methodology for this review was carefully designed to ensure a comprehensive and objective assessment of the latest advancements in smart contact lenses (SCLs) for health monitoring and personalized medicine. A systematic approach was applied to the processes of literature identification, selection, categorization, and analysis, aiming to offer a structured and multidisciplinary evaluation of the technological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and regulatory dimensions of SCL development.
An extensive literature search was conducted across several major scientific databases, including PubMed, IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar. The search was limited to peer-reviewed journal articles and conference proceedings published within the last 7 years (2018–2025) to ensure relevance to current technological and clinical contexts. Search terms included “smart contact lenses,” “biosensing contact lenses,” “wearable biosensors,” “ophthalmic drug delivery,” and “non-invasive health monitoring.” Only articles written in English were considered.
The inclusion criteria were as follows:
Excluded were:
From the refined search, 17 articles were selected based on scientific merit, technological innovation, and clinical or translational applicability. These works were then grouped into five thematic categories reflecting the most critical elements of smart contact lens development and application:
Each article was critically analyzed to extract information about the type of biosensors employed, target biomarkers, diagnostic or therapeutic objectives, material and energy requirements, and any reported limitations or safety concerns. Comparative assessments were made to identify which sensor types demonstrated the most promising accuracy, stability, and integration potential into contact lens platforms.
Additionally, the review considered regulatory discussions, specifically referencing FDA guidance documents and EMA frameworks related to wearable medical devices, to highlight the barriers in clinical validation, safety trials, and market authorization.
While the methodology ensured a scientifically rigorous selection, certain limitations should be acknowledged. Industry reports, patents, and unpublished datasets were not included, despite their relevance to commercialization pathways. Furthermore, due to the rapidly evolving nature of this field, some emerging technologies may not yet be fully represented in the peer-reviewed literature.
Nevertheless, this structured approach enables a balanced and comprehensive evaluation of the current status, limitations, and future directions of smart contact lenses, contributing meaningfully to the broader discourse on wearable biomedical devices and digital health technologies.
This review on Smart Contact Lenses for Health Monitoring – Innovations in Personalized Medicine is based on an in-depth selection of 17 scientific articles, carefully chosen to ensure a comprehensive understanding of the technological, diagnostic, therapeutic, and regulatory landscape of smart contact lenses (SCLs). These articles were categorized into five key thematic areas, reflecting the current advancements, challenges, and future prospects of this emerging technology.
The selection process was driven by three primary factors: scientific relevance, technological innovation, and contribution to biomedical advancements. Each chosen article provides valuable insights into biosensing applications, continuous health monitoring, material science, power systems, ophthalmic drug delivery, and commercialization challenges. The categorization of these studies allowed for a structured exploration of how smart contact lenses are reshaping modern medicine and contributing to the future of personalized healthcare.
Among the selected literature, 4 articles focus on the diagnostic capabilities of smart lenses, emphasizing their ability to detect biomarkers, monitor intraocular pressure (IOP), and track metabolic changes in a non-invasive manner. The ability of these lenses to analyze tear fluid has positioned them as a promising alternative to traditional blood-based diagnostics, particularly for diseases such as diabetes and glaucoma. The reviewed studies highlight how biosensors integrated into contact lenses can provide real-time health tracking, enhancing early disease detection and enabling more effective disease management.
A significant portion of the selected articles, accounting for 5 studies, delves into the role of smart lenses in continuous health monitoring. These publications demonstrate how wearable biosensing technology can provide ongoing metabolic and physiological assessments, reducing the need for invasive and inconvenient diagnostic methods. The research showcases how these lenses can measure glucose levels, cholesterol concentrations, hydration status, and inflammatory markers, supporting a more proactive approach to disease prevention. Furthermore, advances in wireless data transmission have made it possible for smart lenses to seamlessly connect with external devices, such as smartphones and cloud-based health platforms, enabling remote health monitoring and real-time alerts for patients and healthcare providers.
The materials and power systems required for smart contact lenses to function effectively form another critical area of research, with 4 selected studies exploring the development of biocompatible materials and energy-efficient components. These publications underscore the necessity of using oxygen-permeable, flexible, and durable materials to ensure that smart lenses remain comfortable and safe for extended wear. Research also highlights the challenges associated with powering these miniaturized electronic systems, leading to the exploration of innovative solutions such as wireless power transfer, biofuel cells, and triboelectric nanogenerators. These advancements are crucial in creating self-sustaining, long-lasting smart contact lenses that do not require frequent recharging or cumbersome external power sources.
Beyond diagnostics and monitoring, 3 studies focus on the therapeutic potential of smart contact lenses, particularly in ophthalmic drug delivery. The reviewed literature presents compelling evidence that drug-eluting contact lenses offer a more effective and sustained medication delivery method compared to traditional eye drops. By using advanced hydrogel materials, smart lenses can gradually release medications, ensuring prolonged drug contact with the eye and improving treatment efficacy for conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and post-surgical recovery. This approach not only enhances patient adherence but also reduces the frequency of medication administration, offering a more convenient and efficient treatment strategy.
Despite the impressive advancements, the commercialization and widespread adoption of smart contact lenses still face several significant challenges, as highlighted in 5 selected studies. These publications examine the barriers that must be overcome before SCLs can enter mainstream medical practice, including biocompatibility concerns, regulatory approval processes, data privacy risks, and scalability in manufacturing. Ensuring long-term safety and comfort for users remains a key concern, as does the need to develop cost-effective production methods that make these lenses accessible to a broader population. Additionally, some studies explore the potential expansion of smart lenses beyond ophthalmology, with researchers investigating their possible applications in neurological health monitoring and AI-driven disease prediction models. The prospect of integrating machine learning algorithms into smart lenses presents an exciting opportunity for real-time, predictive diagnostics, potentially allowing for early intervention in neurodegenerative disorders and cognitive health tracking.
Smart contact lenses (SCLs) are reshaping the landscape of diagnostics and medical treatment by combining innovations in biomedical technology, nanomaterials, and wearable electronics. Initially created for vision correction, these lenses have evolved into sophisticated health monitoring tools, capable of tracking physiological parameters and improving drug delivery methods. By detecting biomarkers in tear fluid and measuring intraocular pressure (IOP), these devices are finding increased applications in personalized medicine [7, 13, 17].
The progress in smart contact lenses has been driven by developments in material sciences, miniaturized sensor technology, and wireless communication systems. Modern SCLs incorporate flexible biosensors and microelectronics that enable the detection of key biomarkers linked to chronic conditions such as diabetes and neurodegenerative diseases [13].
Electrochemical and optical sensors integrated into these lenses allow for precise measurement of substances like glucose, lactoferrin, and sodium ions, which can serve as indicators of disease progression [17]. Furthermore, recent advancements have led to the integration of wireless data transmission technology, allowing real-time health tracking through smartphones and medical monitoring devices [7].
Figure 1 Schematic Diagram Of Smart Contact Lens Operation
One of the most valuable applications of smart contact lenses is their ability to continuously track intraocular pressure (IOP), which plays a crucial role in diagnosing and managing glaucoma. Increased IOP is a primary risk factor for this condition, and continuous monitoring can help in early detection and timely intervention [7].
Another key area is glucose monitoring for individuals with diabetes. Traditional glucose testing methods require blood sampling, which can be both inconvenient and uncomfortable. Smart lenses offer an alternative by analyzing glucose levels in tear fluid, reducing the need for frequent finger pricks while ensuring reliable metabolic tracking [13, 17].
Additionally, these lenses have been developed to monitor ocular inflammation, particularly through the detection of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), a biomarker associated with inflammatory eye diseases. By detecting this marker early, smart lenses can help initiate treatment sooner, improving patient outcomes [7].
Beyond their role in diagnostics, smart contact lenses are also being designed as drug delivery systems. Traditional eye drop treatments suffer from low bioavailability, as a large percentage of the medication is quickly washed away by tears. Smart lenses, however, allow for controlled and sustained drug release, which can significantly enhance treatment effectiveness [13].
Research indicates that these lenses could be particularly useful in treating dry eye syndrome, ocular inflammation, and glaucoma. Their effectiveness is further improved with the use of specialized polymers, which release therapeutic compounds based on physiological conditions, ensuring that medication is delivered as needed [17].
While smart lenses hold great promise, certain technical and regulatory challenges remain before they can be widely adopted in clinical settings. Some of the key obstacles include:
Power supply limitations – Current efforts focus on wireless charging technologies, such as radio frequency-based energy transfer and bioenergy microcells, to eliminate the need for bulky power sources [13].
Material compatibility and long-term stability – Ensuring that smart lenses are made from hypoallergenic, biocompatible materials that minimize irritation and discomfort while maintaining durability is essential [7].
Regulatory approval processes – Since these lenses serve medical purposes, they must undergo extensive clinical trials and receive approval from health regulatory authorities before becoming commercially available [17].
Looking ahead, the combination of machine learning and data analytics with smart contact lenses could lead to even more precise health tracking, enabling personalized treatment recommendations and early warning systems for various medical conditions [13].
Figure 2. Comparison of Smart Contact Lens Technologies
Smart contact lenses (SCLs) are gaining attention as a promising tool for continuous and non-invasive health monitoring. These lenses integrate miniature sensors that allow real-time tracking of important physiological parameters, offering a convenient and efficient alternative to conventional diagnostic methods. The analysis of tear fluid components provides valuable insights into systemic and ocular health, making these lenses particularly useful in preventive medicine and personalized healthcare [1, 8, 10, 11, 16].
Tears contain numerous biological markers, such as proteins, electrolytes, and metabolic compounds, that can reveal essential health information. Unlike blood tests, which require invasive sampling, tear analysis enables continuous health tracking without discomfort [11].
The incorporation of optical and electrochemical biosensors into smart lenses has made it possible to detect subtle changes in biomarker levels. These sensors send collected data wirelessly to external devices, allowing for real-time analysis and remote monitoring [8]. Research has also shown that the use of nano-engineered materials can significantly enhance sensor accuracy and performance [1].
Glaucoma is a serious eye disease that can lead to vision loss if left untreated. The key risk factor for this condition is elevated intraocular pressure (IOP). Traditional methods of measuring IOP rely on periodic examinations, which may not capture fluctuations over time. Smart lenses offer a continuous monitoring solution, enabling early detection of abnormal pressure changes [16].
Recent developments include thin-film pressure sensors embedded in contact lenses, which measure corneal deformation caused by pressure variations inside the eye. These sensors provide real-time feedback, allowing doctors to adjust treatment strategies accordingly [11]. Some advanced lenses are even designed to release medication automatically when a spike in IOP is detected, improving treatment efficiency [10].
For individuals managing diabetes, regular glucose level checks are essential. However, the conventional method of drawing blood from the fingertip multiple times a day is uncomfortable and inconvenient. Smart contact lenses provide a non-invasive alternative by detecting glucose concentrations in tear fluid, which closely reflect blood sugar levels [1].
Studies have confirmed that biosensors within contact lenses can accurately track glucose fluctuations using an enzymatic reaction that generates a measurable signal. The collected data is transmitted wirelessly to a mobile device, giving users instant updates on their glucose levels [8]. Some models even incorporate color-based indicators, which visually signal changes in glucose concentration, making monitoring more accessible [11].
A recent breakthrough has been the use of metallic nanoparticles in glucose-detecting lenses, which improve sensor stability and responsiveness, ensuring that the measurements remain accurate over extended periods [10].
Beyond glucose and IOP monitoring, smart lenses have also been developed to detect biomarkers linked to inflammation and other health conditions. One example is matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), an enzyme that is elevated in inflammatory eye diseases such as dry eye syndrome [11].
A recent study demonstrated that advanced biosensors integrated into contact lenses could successfully measure MMP-9 levels in real-time, allowing for early diagnosis and targeted treatment of ocular surface diseases [16]. Additionally, some lenses have been designed to track electrolyte imbalances and hormonal changes, providing a more comprehensive view of an individual’s health [1].
Another promising application is the detection of cancer-related biomarkers in tear fluid. Some experimental lenses have been developed to recognize lacryglobin, a protein linked to certain types of cancer, offering a potential tool for early cancer screening [11].
Despite the growing interest in smart contact lenses for health monitoring, several obstacles remain before they can be widely adopted in medical practice. The main challenges include:
Although these challenges exist, research in biomedical engineering and material sciences is steadily advancing, improving the potential of smart lenses to become a standard tool for remote health monitoring. As development continues, these devices are expected to play an increasingly important role in preventive healthcare and personalized medicine [1, 8,10,11,16].
1.1. Technology of Smart Contact Lenses – Materials and Power Systems
The functionality of smart contact lenses (SCLs) depends on two crucial elements: the materials used for their construction and the methods of supplying power to embedded electronic components. These lenses must be designed with biocompatible, flexible, and transparent materials that ensure wearer comfort while allowing for sensor integration. At the same time, they require efficient and safe power sources that do not interfere with vision or eye health. Researchers are working on various wireless energy transfer, biofuel, and energy-harvesting solutions to make these lenses self-sustaining and practical for continuous health monitoring [4, 9, 12, 15].
1.1.1. Materials Used in Smart Contact Lenses
To function effectively, smart contact lenses must be made from oxygen-permeable, mechanically durable, and transparent materials. Some of the key materials being used in these lenses include:
1.1.2. Powering Smart Contact Lenses
One of the biggest technical challenges in smart contact lens development is ensuring a consistent and reliable power source without increasing lens thickness or discomfort. Since traditional batteries are too large and rigid, alternative solutions are being explored.
1.1.2.1. Wireless Power Transfer (WPT)
Radio-frequency (RF) power harvesting is being developed as a means of wirelessly charging contact lenses. These systems rely on tiny antennas embedded in the lens, which receive power from external transmitters, such as a mobile device or smart glasses [9].
Inductive power transfer is another potential solution, where thin conductive coils embedded in the lens receive electromagnetic energy from an external coil. This method is particularly useful for lenses designed for intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring, offering a practical approach for managing glaucoma treatment [15].
Micro-supercapacitors, which can store energy and provide quick bursts of power when needed, are also being investigated as an option for low-power applications in smart lenses [12].
One of the key concerns with these approaches is ensuring stable power transmission without causing excessive heat buildup, which could lead to eye irritation [4].
1.1.2.2. Biofuel Cells and Tear-Based Power Solutions
Another emerging approach involves using tear fluid as a power source through biofuel cells (BFCs). These systems work by converting glucose and lactate found in tears into electrical energy, providing a continuous source of power for embedded sensors [9].
A related development is the use of aqueous batteries, which use safe, tear-compatible electrolytes to store and release energy as needed. Unlike traditional batteries, these devices pose no risk of toxic leakage and can function within the delicate environment of the human eye [12].
Additionally, researchers have proposed the use of bio-rechargeable cells, which rely on enzymatic reactions to generate power, ensuring long-term operation without the need for frequent recharging [15].
1.1.2.3.Solar and Mechanical Energy Harvesting
Miniaturized solar cells have been incorporated into some experimental smart lenses, allowing them to harvest ambient light as a continuous power source [4].
Triboelectric nanogenerators (TENGs) offer another approach by converting mechanical energy from blinking and eye movement into usable electricity, helping to extend the operational lifespan of the lenses [12].
Although these technologies are still being refined, they offer promising solutions for ensuring long-term power supply without requiring frequent external charging.
1.1.2.4. Challenges and Future Outlook
Despite significant advancements, several challenges must be addressed to ensure the widespread adoption of smart contact lenses:
Looking ahead, multi-source power solutions, combining solar energy, biofuel cells, and wireless charging, could create a self-sustaining power ecosystem, eliminating the need for frequent recharging. Additionally, the integration of energy-efficient microelectronics and AI-driven power management could help optimize power usage, extending battery life while maintaining performance [12].
As research continues, improvements in biomaterials, wireless energy transfer, and flexible power storage solutions will play a key role in making smart contact lenses a widely used technology for real-time health monitoring [4, 9, 12, 15].
Smart contact lenses (SCLs) are emerging as an innovative method for delivering medications directly to the eye, offering an alternative to traditional treatments such as eye drops and ointments. These lenses provide a way to release drugs gradually, allowing for longer retention and improved therapeutic effects. Conditions such as glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and post-surgical healing can benefit significantly from this controlled delivery method [14, 16, 17].
For effective treatment, smart lenses use various techniques to incorporate and release medications over time:
Glaucoma, which can lead to progressive vision loss, is typically managed using topical medications. However, standard treatments require daily use of eye drops, which some patients find difficult to follow. Smart lenses are being developed to automatically release medication in response to intraocular pressure (IOP) changes, providing a more reliable and effective treatment option [14].
Gold nanowire-based lenses help measure IOP changes and adjust medication delivery accordingly, allowing for personalized therapy [16].
Vitamin E-infused lenses improve drug retention, ensuring that anti-glaucoma medications such as timolol remain effective for extended periods [14].
Multi-layered polymer lenses enable steady medication release for a week or more, eliminating the need for frequent drug administration [17].
By ensuring a continuous supply of medication, these lenses improve treatment efficacy and patient adherence, reducing the risks associated with inconsistent eye drop use [16].
Dry eye syndrome is a common condition linked to tear film instability and chronic inflammation. Smart contact lenses are being developed to deliver lubricating agents and anti-inflammatory medications, improving tear stability and eye comfort [14].
Lenses infused with cyclosporine-A reduce inflammation and improve tear production, making them particularly useful for chronic dry eye patients [16].
Hydrogel lenses that respond to heat stimulate the production of protective lipids, preventing excessive tear evaporation [17].
Lenses containing hyaluronic acid enhance corneal hydration, reducing dryness and discomfort for prolonged wearers [14].
These solutions provide long-term relief, ensuring a more consistent treatment approach compared to conventional eye drops [16].
Smart contact lenses are also proving useful in post-operative care, especially for patients recovering from cataract surgery, corneal transplants, and laser procedures [14].
Antibiotic-releasing lenses prevent post-surgical infections, improving recovery outcomes [17].
Lenses loaded with growth factors support corneal regeneration, speeding up the healing process [14].
Electrically controlled lenses allow for timed medication release, ensuring steady treatment without requiring manual application [16].
These features help protect surgical patients from complications, leading to faster and more comfortable recovery periods [14].
Despite their benefits, therapeutic smart lenses face some obstacles before becoming widely available:
Future research is focusing on improving materials, optimizing drug release mechanisms, and integrating smart sensors to further refine treatment precision. The potential of smart contact lenses to enhance ocular therapy makes them a promising alternative to traditional treatments, providing greater comfort and long-term benefits for patients [14, 16, 17].
Smart contact lenses (SCLs) have made significant progress in health monitoring and therapeutic applications, but there are still technical, regulatory, and commercialization barriers that need to be addressed. While these lenses have the potential to revolutionize healthcare, several challenges related to wearability, power management, safety, data security, and market adoption must be resolved before they can become widely available. Researchers continue to explore solutions to improve durability, accuracy, and efficiency, which will play a key role in shaping the future of smart contact lenses [2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 13].
One of the biggest challenges in developing smart lenses is finding a balance between advanced functionality and user comfort. These lenses must be designed with flexible, biocompatible materials that allow for seamless integration of biosensors and microelectronics without affecting vision.
Material durability and flexibility – The inclusion of nanomaterials and biosensors in the lenses must not interfere with oxygen permeability or cause discomfort during extended wear [6].
Energy supply and efficiency – Since traditional batteries are not practical, alternative power solutions such as wireless charging, biofuel cells, and solar energy are being explored. However, these methods still require improvements to ensure consistent power without overheating [9].
Sensor reliability – The accuracy of biomarker detection, such as glucose and intraocular pressure (IOP) measurements, can be affected by tear composition, temperature changes, and external environmental factors [3].
Data transmission and connectivity – Smart lenses must be able to wirelessly send health data to external devices, requiring the development of low-power, high-speed communication systems that do not drain energy quickly [13].
To overcome these challenges, researchers are working on improving sensor stability, refining power management systems, and enhancing material properties for long-term usability [2].
The introduction of smart lenses into the medical field requires strict compliance with regulatory standards and ethical considerations to ensure patient safety and data security.
Approval by health authorities – While some smart lenses, such as Sensimed Triggerfish, have received FDA clearance for glaucoma monitoring, most are still undergoing clinical testing and require extensive validation for widespread use [13].
Privacy and security risks – Since smart lenses collect biometric health data, ensuring secure data encryption, storage, and patient consent is essential to protect against potential misuse [2].
Cost and accessibility – The production process for these lenses is complex and expensive, raising concerns about availability and affordability for the general population [6].
Establishing clearer medical guidelines, robust security measures, and cost-effective production methods will be crucial to gaining public trust and encouraging adoption [5].
Despite the current challenges, continuous advancements are shaping the next generation of smart lenses with improved capabilities:
As these advancements progress, collaboration between scientists, regulatory bodies, and manufacturers will be key to bringing smart lenses into mainstream healthcare [2, 3, 5, 6, 9, 13].
Figure 3 Trends in Smart Contact Lens Research (2018–2025)
The advancements in smart contact lenses (SCLs) have positioned them as one of the most promising technologies in personalized medicine and digital healthcare. Through the integration of biosensors, wireless communication, and energy-efficient systems, these lenses have evolved from vision correction tools to sophisticated diagnostic and therapeutic platforms. As this review has explored, SCLs offer revolutionary capabilities in non-invasive health monitoring, targeted drug delivery, and remote disease management, making them a pivotal innovation in future medical applications.
Smart contact lenses bridge the gap between conventional diagnostics and real-time health monitoring, addressing the growing demand for wearable biosensing solutions. The ability to analyze tear fluid biomarkers, such as glucose levels, intraocular pressure (IOP), and inflammatory markers, provides continuous health insights that were previously unattainable through standard clinical assessments. This real-time data collection has the potential to transform disease management, particularly for diabetes, glaucoma, and neurodegenerative disorders, by enabling early detection and personalized treatment adjustments.
Beyond diagnostics, SCLs are demonstrating strong therapeutic potential. Drug-eluting lenses offer a controlled and prolonged drug release mechanism, overcoming the limitations of traditional eye drops, which often suffer from low bioavailability. This advancement significantly enhances treatment efficacy for glaucoma, dry eye syndrome, and post-operative care, paving the way for more effective and patient-friendly ocular therapies.
Despite these promising applications, several technological, regulatory, and clinical challenges must be addressed before smart contact lenses can become a mainstream medical device.
Material and Biocompatibility Constraints – Although current research has led to the development of flexible and oxygen-permeable materials, ensuring long-term biocompatibility remains critical. Extended wearability without irritation or adverse reactions is still a challenge that requires further refinement.
Power Supply and Energy Management – The integration of energy-efficient microelectronics remains one of the most pressing obstacles. While wireless charging, biofuel cells, and nanogenerators show promise, these solutions must be further optimized to provide reliable and continuous power without increasing lens thickness or causing discomfort.
Data Security and Privacy Risks – Since smart lenses collect and transmit biometric health data, strong encryption protocols and cybersecurity measures are necessary to protect sensitive patient information. Regulatory frameworks must ensure compliance with health data protection standards, such as GDPR and HIPAA, to build patient trust and facilitate widespread adoption.
Clinical Validation and Regulatory Approval – Although some smart contact lenses have received FDA clearance for specific applications (e.g., IOP monitoring for glaucoma), most biosensing and drug-delivery lenses are still in the experimental phase. Extensive clinical trials are needed to demonstrate their long-term safety, reliability, and efficacy before they can be approved for widespread medical use.
Market Accessibility and Cost Considerations – The high cost of production and limited scalability of smart contact lenses remain a challenge. Developing cost-effective manufacturing techniques, such as 3D printing and nanofabrication, will be essential to reduce production costs and increase accessibility for a broader population.
Looking ahead, the future of smart contact lenses will likely be shaped by continued advancements in nanotechnology, artificial intelligence (AI), and biomedical engineering.
AI-Driven Health Analytics – The integration of machine learning algorithms with SCLs will enable predictive analytics, allowing for early disease detection and personalized treatment recommendations.
Multifunctional Biosensors – Future lenses will likely feature multi-biomarker detection systems, expanding their capabilities beyond glucose and IOP monitoring to include electrolyte balance, hydration status, and even early cancer detection.
Improved Wireless Energy Solutions – The development of self-sustaining power sources, such as solar-harvesting materials, biofuel cells, and RF-powered microbatteries, will play a key role in making SCLs more practical for long-term use.
Telemedicine and Remote Patient Monitoring – With the rise of telehealth solutions, smart lenses could integrate seamlessly with cloud-based health platforms, allowing doctors to receive real-time patient data and intervene before health complications arise.
Smart contact lenses represent a groundbreaking advancement in next-generation medical technologies, enabling real-time health monitoring, early disease detection, and personalized treatment. Recent breakthroughs in biosensing, AI integration, and nanofabrication have significantly improved their functionality, particularly in managing diabetes, glaucoma, and ocular drug delivery. However, challenges related to energy efficiency, long-term safety, and regulatory approval must still be addressed before widespread clinical adoption can occur. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration, along with cost-effective production strategies and strong cybersecurity measures, will be essential to bringing SCLs from the laboratory to mainstream healthcare. With further advancements, these lenses could revolutionize disease management, ultimately improving quality of life and healthcare outcomes for millions of patients worldwide."
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