Google X Is Creating Smart Contact Lenses to Monitor Glucose Levels in Diabetics

Google X is working to create smart contact lenses that monitor glucose levels in diabetics using their tears. A glucose sensor and a tiny wireless chip are embedded inside each contact, and Google is testing prototypes that take a glucose reading once every second. Google is also exploring the potential of using tiny LED lights to provide an early warning for glucose level changes.

Though Google cautions that “it’s still early days” for the smart contacts, the prototype has been tested in clinical studies. As for next steps, Google is in discussions with the FDA and plans to look for “partners who are experts in bringing products like this to the market” to help manufacture the lenses and create apps to send data to the wearer and their doctor.

image via Google