Smart contact lenses for monitoring eye pressure in glaucoma patients
Official title: Smart soft contact lenses for continuous 24-hour monitoring of intraocular pressure in glaucoma care
Funded at Purdue University · NIH-11045646 · Data updated 2026-11-12
This study is testing new soft contact lenses that can keep track of eye pressure for people with glaucoma, helping them get better care by providing important information about their eye pressure, especially while they sleep.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Purdue University NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (West Lafayette, United States) |
| Project start | March 1, 2024 |
| Project end | February 29, 2028 |
| Funding year | 2025 |
| Award (this year) | $511,258 |
| NIH project number | 5R01EY034901-02 |
| Project ID | NIH-11045646 on NIH RePORTER |
Who could benefit from this research
✓Could help
Ideal candidates for this research include individuals diagnosed with glaucoma or those at high risk of developing the condition.
✕Less likely to help
Patients with conditions unrelated to intraocular pressure or those who do not wear contact lenses may not benefit from this research.
What this research studies
This research focuses on developing innovative soft contact lenses that can continuously monitor intraocular pressure (IOP) in patients with glaucoma. By providing real-time data on IOP fluctuations, especially during sleep when pressure peaks may occur unnoticed, these lenses aim to enhance patient care and management of glaucoma. The study will involve optimizing the design and functionality of these smart lenses to ensure comfort and effectiveness for long-term wear. Patients will benefit from a more accurate understanding of their eye pressure patterns, which is crucial for preventing vision loss.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this research could lead to improved management of glaucoma, potentially preventing vision loss and enhancing the quality of life for patients.
How similar studies have gone: Previous research on wearable ocular tonometers has shown promise, but this approach with smart contact lenses is relatively novel and untested.
Where this research is happening
-
Purdue University
West Lafayette, United States Active
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Lee, Chi Hwan — Purdue University
- Study coordinator: Lee, Chi Hwan
Related research
Other NIH-funded projects on the same topics.
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A new, easy-to-use AI screening approach will be tested in federally funded health centers to help identify people at risk for glaucoma, especially in communities with higher risk.
-
Understanding how glaucoma genes control eye cell function
A long-term research project will study how genetic factors affect eye cells in adults with glaucoma to uncover new ideas for protecting vision.
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.