Have you ever thought about using your eyes for more than sight? Google submitted a patent for digital, multi-sensory contact lenses that could change technology in the blink of an eye, literally.
Digital contact lenses could be used for many things, like checking the weather, and flipping the pages of an E-book without lifting a finger, but research has recently revealed that they could be used to measure blood glucose from your tears. It's being developed in Google X, the “moonshot” lab of the company. Google started developing this innovative tech in 2014, and should be releasing it around 2019. There is a need for this innovation because this tech could potentially warn patients when their blood sugar reaches an extreme level. Scientists have also thought about putting a tiny LED light in the lense to help alert the patient of potential risks. Unfortunately, the arsenic content in the tiny lights was too much of a risk itself.
This invention was created to assist in people’s everyday lives, and was created and developed in the U.S, probably because of all the tech available. After all, the United States has no shortage of technology. Google co-founder Sergey Brin says, “Our dream is to use the latest technology in the miniaturization of electronics to help improve the quality of life for millions of people” This innovation could help countless people, and it’s in Google’s best interests to see that it does.
This innovation is important to the global community because it could help many diabetic patients watch their glucose levels. “Keeping blood sugar levels optimal all day, avoiding spikes or lulls during sleep – these everyday problems wouldn’t depend on pure luck anymore. You could also forget about pricking your finger several times each day. As one of the most powerful ways technology will change diabetes management, it sounds like utopia." (Medicalfuturist 4) These Digital lenses could simplify diabetes care, and on top of that, all the data that they collected would be sent straight to your mobile phone. "The contact lens analyzes blood glucose level every second and transmits the data to an associated app. Detailed readings are available at a tap on your phone." (Medicalfuturist 5)
This innovation will change the world because it will revolutionize diabetes care. “When blood sugar crosses certain thresholds, the app notifies you instantly to act, or to contact a physician if the situation is serious.” (MedicalFuturist 3) This will prevent many close calls and risks, although it would be better if the app automatically contacted a physician, eliminating the potential for human error. Overall, Google's Digital Contact Lenses have the opportunity to revolutionize the way that Diabetes is treated, and much more.
“Digital Contact Lenses Can Transform Diabetes Care.” The Medical Futurist, 31 July 2016, medicalfuturist.com/googles-amazing-digital-contact-lens-can-transform-diabetes-care/.
Do you know much does this cost?
ReplyDeleteSince this innovation is still in the developing stage, there's no clear price range yet.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say, "This will prevent many close calls and risks, although it would be better if the app automatically contacted a physician, eliminating the potential for human error." Is this an opinion, or something they are working on adding? Also, is this invention more of a diabetes help technology, or a multi tool that has other things involved. You mentioned being able to read E-book's, but would this tiny invention be able to hold the technology to help diabetes patients and other things?
ReplyDeleteThat thought ^, was my opinion. As for the multitool, there would be lenses dedicated solely as diabetes help tech, whilst others would be more multi-purpose.
ReplyDeletehow will this compete with a current continuous glucose monitor(CGM) such as the dexcom? can this device show patterns like curent CGMs? Current CGMS only are able to test the fluid above the blood which causes a lag time. Will there be a lag time for this device?
ReplyDelete