South Korean experts have developed an advanced lens that can detect green and cataracts, display intraocular pressure, and release medication accordingly over time. Photo: Courtesy University of Pohang
South Korea: Glaucoma is a condition that carries the risk of permanent blindness. To remedy this, experts have created a modern contact lens that not only notes the decline and rise of the disease but also releases medicine periodically.
In glaucoma, the drainage channels of the eye become blocked and fluid builds up inside the eye, which increases the intraocular pressure. Now this pressure increases and compresses the sensitive veins of the eye and thus gradually the vision is lost. This is why it is so important to note the increased pressure inside the eye (intraocular pressure or IOP).
Fortunately, drops are available to reduce this pressure. But its quantity has to be increased as the IOP increases, for which it is necessary to determine the intraocular pressure. That’s why these lenses are made.
Experts have developed the ability in this lens to release more or less amount of medicine automatically by seeing the pressure. Secondly, the lens is very suitable for fitting in the eye.
In the first phase, it has been applied to rabbits and it has shown excellent results. The lens was created by Dr. Sae Kwang Han and Dr. Tae Yoon Kim of Pohang University in South Korea. The same team has previously developed effective lenses that prevent vision loss from diabetes.
Interestingly, this lens has the extraordinary ability to slowly release the drug.
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