Hi-tec contact lenses measure blood glucose and correct color blindness

With the first versions developed still in the nineteenth century, contact lenses today go beyond the function of giving more comfort than glasses. Increased consumption has spurred studies for the development of technological innovations, such as lenses that protect the eyes from the sun's harmful effects and may even darken according to the ambient light, measure diabetic blood glucose, correct color blindness and provide immersion. in the virtual world, according to NewLentes, e-commerce segment.

The growth of optical retail lens sales, according to Sebrae, was $ 2.6 billion and is linked to advantages such as the effectiveness of correction of visual impairment, practicality and aesthetic motivations. “They are good alternatives for many cases, such as for those who drive every day, since the peripheral vision coverage is greater, and also for those who play sports, bringing more safety. It is worth highlighting those that darken automatically according to the light of the place; when they hit the market, they can be more affordable than a sunglass with a degree, ”says Lucas Fernandes, CEO of NewLentes.

The expert says the segment needs to be renewed each year to meet growing demand, as it is estimated that one third of the world's population should be nearsighted by 2020 and half by 2050. "We believe lenses should still go beyond health, with the same functions as smartphones, such as accessing social networks, emailing and taking photos." See some news pointed out by the specialist who are already or should be on the shelves soon:

UV protection

Putting on glasses or contact lenses in the morning is routine, but sunglasses are not always remembered. Ultraviolet-protected lenses solve the problem as they are multifunctional: in addition to ensuring clear vision, they prevent the development of vision disorders such as pterygium - eye injury leading to tissue growth - burns in the cornea, cataracts and muscle degeneration caused by UVA and UVB radiation. NewLentes sells ACUVUE lenses, which offer this function, in versions for myopia, hyperopia and astigmatism, with biweekly or daily discarding - the latter, according to Lucas, has become a tendency to give more user convenience and eye health.

Adaptable to light

Those glasses that darken according to brightness and provide greater eye protection should win their modern version. In the first half of this year, contact lenses with this function were approved in the USA. The news, expected to arrive in 2019 in the US market and has no date for Brazil, are equipped with photochromic molecules that change their structure when exposed to ultraviolet radiation. Aesthetically, you will need to get used to people walking around with completely black irises.

Colors for the Colorblind

Much more than solving the problem and providing more comfort for those who have a visual impairment, medicine walks to treat other diseases using contact lenses. Lenses to correct color blindness are already under study - a disease in which the person cannot differentiate some shades, such as blue, green and red. The items have pigments that absorb light wavelengths between red and green, allowing the eyes to absorb more light and better distinguish these colors.

End of bites for diabetics

Another novelty on the way is the smart lens that measures glucose level, which should make it easier to control diabetics who have to constantly monitor their blood glucose. The sensor works through the user's tears, so you don't have to poke around the finger as the receivers tell you when the patient's sugar level is higher than normal.

Technological future

Spy movies are not far from reality when they show messages that literally pass through the eyes, or mechanisms that trigger photographs or videos with a snap. Samsung has already patented technology products, which may be in the future market, as well as next-generation mobile phones.

* Via advisory

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