Wearable contact‑lens to track eye pressure around the clock
Novel Approach to 24-hr IOP Assessment
A soft contact‑lens sensor designed to continuously record eye pressure for people with glaucoma.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California, San Francisco NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (San Francisco, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11269189 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This project will build a contact‑lens sensor that uses tiny cantilevers and atomic‑force‑microscopy–based indentation readings to estimate intraocular pressure over 24 hours. The team will create an empirical model that converts those indentation measurements into standard millimeters of mercury with a goal of 0.1–1 mmHg precision. Researchers will also check whether the self‑sensing cantilever affects the outer layer of the human cornea to ensure the device is safe to wear. The ultimate aim is a non‑invasive, automated monitor that can record eye pressure during normal activities and sleep.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates would be people with diagnosed primary open‑angle glaucoma or ocular hypertension who are willing to try a contact‑lens sensor and attend clinic visits.
Not a fit: People who cannot tolerate contact lenses, have active corneal disease, recent eye surgery, or other conditions that prevent safe lens wear may not benefit from participation.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this device could allow continuous, accurate eye‑pressure monitoring to improve glaucoma diagnosis, treatment decisions, and tracking of therapy response.
How similar studies have performed: Other wearable IOP devices exist but often measure indirect signals or show variable accuracy, so this contact‑lens cantilever approach is novel and not yet proven in patients.
Where this research is happening
San Francisco, United States
- University of California, San Francisco — San Francisco, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Knight, O'rese J — University of California, San Francisco
- Study coordinator: Knight, O'rese J
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 below.