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Microfluidic contact lenses are emerging as next-generation tools for eye care
The tear film that the eye sheds provides a window into a person's systemic and ocular health and carries biomarkers such as glucose, electrolytes and proteins. However, existing diagnostic approaches-like tonometry or tear palpation are often invasive, rare, and impractical for daily monitoring. Likewise, standard eye drop treatments suffer from poor drug retention due to blinking and drainage, thereby limiting their therapeutic effects. Smart contact lenses have emerged as a compelling alternative. By enabling real-time sensing and controlled drug release directly on the eye, they promise to revolutionize ophthalmic care. Incorporating sensitive microfluidic features into the curved, flexible surface of soft lenses without affecting vision or...
Microfluidic contact lenses are emerging as next-generation tools for eye care
The tear film that the eye sheds provides a window into a person's systemic and ocular health and carries biomarkers such as glucose, electrolytes and proteins. However, existing diagnostic approaches-like tonometry or tear palpation are often invasive, rare, and impractical for daily monitoring. Likewise, standard eye drop treatments suffer from poor drug retention due to blinking and drainage, thereby limiting their therapeutic effects. Smart contact lenses have emerged as a compelling alternative. By enabling real-time sensing and controlled drug release directly on the eye, they promise to revolutionize ophthalmic care. Incorporating delicate microfluidic features into the curved, flexible surface of soft lenses without compromising vision or comfort remains a formidable engineering challenge. Addressing these obstacles will require continued innovation in factory and material integration.
In a comprehensive review (doi: 10.1038/s41378-025-00909-3) published on April 3, 2025, inMicrosystems & NanoengineeringResearchers from Manipal Institute of Applied Physics and Manipal University Jaipur demonstrate the development of microfluidic contact lenses (MCLs) from concept to clinical feasibility. The article examines how manufacturing has advanced soft lithography, laser patterning, and 3D printed mold replication. It enables objects to measure internal pressure, detect biochemical markers and deliver medications on demand. With these features, contact lenses are poised to become an all-in-one platform for diagnosis, therapy and patient comfort.
The overview highlights two core applications for MCLs: detection and treatment. For diagnostics, deformable microchannels embedded in the lens respond to pressure changes through displacement indicator fluids, thereby classifying accurate intraocular pressure measurements for glaucoma management. Some designs have achieved sensitivities of up to 708 μm/mmHg, far exceeding previous iterations. MCLs also track tear biomarkers such as pH, glucose, lactate and proteins via smartphone-readable colorimetric or fluorescent sensors. On the therapeutic front, drug-loaded microchambers dispense drugs in response to external cues such as magnets or electrical signals, or internal ones such as pH shifts or flashing pressure. These innovations enable on-demand delivery while maintaining the optical clarity and flexibility of the lens. Manufacturing methods underpin this advance: thermoforming and PDMS replication deliver precision; 3D printing enables personalized designs; and femtosecond lasers offer ultra-fine micro-channel engravers. Although scalable production remains a challenge, these technologies will continue to converge into practical, patient-ready solutions.
MCLs represent a convergence of vision care and advanced diagnostics. Our goal is to create a single, wearable device that seamlessly combines biosensing, therapeutic delivery and user comfort. Many of these technologies are still in development, but progress in manufacturing and materials is encouraging. We are getting closer to clinical translation. “
Prof. Sajan D. George, the corresponding author of the review
The future of MCLs extends far beyond the ophthalmologist's office. In healthcare, they offer transformative potential to treat chronic eye diseases such as glaucoma and dry eye syndrome, while also treating diseases such as diabetic retinopathy through localized, sustained drug delivery. Combined with mobile interfaces, they enable remote diagnosis and personalized treatment. The integration of sensors, drug systems and even display technologies is expanding into applications in sports, military and wearable technology. To fully realize these possibilities, continued advances in scalable manufacturing, regulatory compliance and long-term security will be critical. But one thing is certain: smart lenses are quickly moving from laboratory prototypes to practical tools in precision healthcare.
Sources:
Aravind, M.,et al.(2025). Microfluidic contact lens: fabrication approaches and applications. Microsystems & Nanoengineering. doi.org/10.1038/s41378-025-00909-3.