One would think they’re a work of fiction from an Isaac Asimov novel, but they’re real: a robot that inserts and removes contact lenses, a contact lens that can zoom in, take video and more, and a biomarker-sensing contact lens — some of the latest advances in the contact lens space.

ROBOT

Called the Cliara Lens Robot, the voice-activated device is comprised of suction cups, designed to provide the right amount of drag for the insertion and removal of scleral and GP contact lenses, and a camera, so the user can guide the fitting process. Craig Hershoff, a scleral contact lens wearer, says he invented the robot for those who have issues with dexterity after he went through a period of shaky hands, due to anxiety, from the passing of his wife. To use the robot, the contact lens wearer looks straight down, while the eye not receiving the lens is focused on a video display. Next, the user instructs the robot, which has force sensors, to insert the contact lens. Once insertion is completed, the robot retracts. It is currently undergoing clinical trials.

A SMART LENS

Named i-Lens, from the British e-shop Lenstore, the contact lens, made of silicone hydrogel and for wear for up to 12 months, enables wearers to acquire video via blink, measure distances, zoom in up to 60 times and inform the wearer of too much screen time, among other features. Specifically, the lens connects to one’s companion iOS/Android device via Bluetooth and has a battery life of 48 hours per charge (based on moderate usage). To charge the i-Lens, the user places it in a case that has a standard Qi charging station.

DISEASE DETECTION

A hydrogel contact lens is in development for biomarker sensing. The lens is made up of microchannels to channel and collect tears, which contain biomarkers, such as glucose molecules, and sensors to “read” the tears. Thus far, it has been supported by a CooperVision grant. OM