GoldInLens contact lenses that warm the eyelids from the inside
Official title: Unidirectional delivery of heat to the eyelid by GoldInLens
Funded at Colorado School of Mines · NIH-11099838 · Data updated 2026-11-12
A special contact lens warmed by a low-intensity light to gently melt and release oils from blocked meibomian glands to help people with dry eye from meibomian gland dysfunction.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R21 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Colorado School of Mines NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Golden, United States) |
| Project start | June 1, 2024 |
| Project end | May 31, 2026 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $191,653 |
| NIH project number | 5R21EY036178-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11099838 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Adults with symptomatic meibomian gland dysfunction (evaporative dry eye) who can tolerate contact lens insertion and brief light exposure are the most appropriate candidates.
✕Less likely to help
People who cannot wear contact lenses, have open corneal wounds, active eye infections, severe ocular surface disease, or strong sensitivity to light may not be suitable or benefit from this approach.
What this research studies
You would wear a contact lens embedded with tiny gold nanoparticles and keep your eyes open while a low-intensity light warms the lens for about 10 seconds to reach a target near 40°C. The lens is designed to deliver heat from the inner surface of the eyelid toward the meibomian glands so less heat reaches the skin or cornea. This approach aims to melt the obstructing oils, restore the tear lipid layer, and reduce tear evaporation and dry-eye symptoms. The study will focus on short treatment times, patient comfort, and ensuring the cornea and surrounding tissues are not harmed.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this could reduce dry eye symptoms by safely releasing gland oils with a short, lower-heat treatment that limits skin and corneal exposure.
How similar studies have gone: External warm compresses and in-office thermal pulsation devices have improved symptoms for many patients, but using light-heated gold-nanoparticle contact lenses is a novel approach with limited human data so far.
Where this research is happening
-
Colorado School of Mines
Golden, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Chauhan, Anuj — Colorado School of Mines
- Study coordinator: Chauhan, Anuj
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page.