How Smart Contact Lenses Could Revolutionize Eye Care

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Vision is something many people take for granted until it is lost. The eyes provide essential information about 
surroundings, depth, and fine motor coordination. A variety of conditions can lead to blindness, often beginning with mild or moderate symptoms. Glaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide and is typically 
diagnosed at specialized clinics. During these visits, intraocular pressure (IOP) is monitored; however, measurements 
are usually only taken during appointments. Because IOP can fluctuate throughout the day, critical pressure spikes 
may go undetected between visits, potentially leading to further damage. Smartlens aims to transform the way 
glaucoma is diagnosed and monitored.
miLens, by Smartlens, is non-invasive and designed to monitor IOP anywhere and at any time through a comfortable 
contact-lens–based design [1]. The device allows for early detection of dangerous IOP spikes so that patients and 
clinicians can intervene as soon as possible to improve patient outcomes. miLens recently received $5.2 million in 
funding to support preparation for commercial launch [2].

The company is currently recruiting participants for a 
clinical trial comparing readings from the device with traditional clinic-based measurement systems.
Other smart contact lens technologies are also under development. One experimental lens system can detect changes 
in the curvature of the eye by measuring variations in the radius of the cornea [3]. These lenses have been tested in rabbits, dogs, and humans, producing promising results [3]. In addition to medical monitoring, smart lenses are being 
explored for augmented reality applications. Mojo Vision has developed a functional prototype capable of displaying 
a graphical user interface and text directly in the user’s field of view [4]. The display moves with the eye and remains 
sharp through built-in image rendering technology, and the lens includes a small rechargeable battery.

Another emerging application involves drug delivery through contact lenses. In 2022, the FDA approved Acuvue 
Theravision with Ketotifen, developed by Johnson & Johnson, which was later made available in Canada. This daily use contact lens helped control eye allergy symptoms such as itching by releasing antihistamine molecules directly 
into the eye [5]. However, the product was discontinued in late 2024.
Furthermore, many other contact lenses have been investigated for glaucoma treatment by incorporating drugs that 
can be released over time [6]. These systems work by delivering a small, controlled amount of medication at a 
regulated rate, prolonging the residence time of drugs in the eye. Several approaches have been explored, including 
pH-triggered lenses, graphene oxide-loaded lenses, nanoparticle drug loaded lenses, and thermosensitive drug loaded lenses.

These represent only a few examples of the rapidly advancing research aimed at improving therapeutic delivery through contact lenses. Continuous monitoring technologies such as smart contact lenses may also enable personalized glaucoma management, allowing clinicians to track pressure fluctuations over time rather than relying on single clinic measurements. As smart contact lens technologies continue to evolve, they have the potential to transform eye care by enabling continuous monitoring, advanced visual interfaces, and innovative drug delivery systems that could significantly improve the management of eye diseases such as glaucoma.

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References
[1] Smartlens health | The New Frontier in Ophthalmic Care, https://www.smartlens.health/ (accessed Mar. 18, 
2026). 
[2] “Smartlens, Inc. secures $5.2 million bridge round to advance FDA clearance process and prepare for 
commercial launch of milens,” Yahoo! Finance, https://finance.yahoo.com/news/smartlens-inc-secures-5-2-
134100140.html (accessed Mar. 15, 2026). 
[3] J. Zhang et al., “Smart soft contact lenses for continuous 24-hour monitoring of intraocular pressure in 
glaucoma care,” Nature Communications, vol. 13, no. 1, Sep. 2022. doi:10.1038/s41467-022-33254-4 
[4] B. Lang, “Hands-on: Mojo vision’s smart contact lens is further along than you might think,” Road to VR, 
https://www.roadtovr.com/mojo-vision-smart-contact-lens-ar-hands-on/#google_vignette (accessed Mar. 18, 2026). 
[5] J&J’s antihistamine-eluting contact lenses clear phase 3 allergy studies | fierce biotech, 
https://www.fiercebiotech.com/medtech/j-j-s-antihistamine-eluting-contact-lenses-clear-phase-3-allergy-studies 
(accessed Mar. 18, 2026). 
[6] D. Zhang et al., “Treatment of glaucoma with drug-loaded contact lenses: A systematic review and metaanalysis,” European Journal of Pharmacology, vol. 995, p. 177425, May 2025. doi:10.1016/j.ejphar.2025.177425

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