Google developing 'smart' contact lens for diabetics

Although still in the early stages of development, the prototype device could help people with diabetes better manage their disease. The smart lens uses a tiny wireless chip and miniaturised glucose sensor embedded between two layers of soft contact lens material. "We're testing prototypes that can generate a reading once per second," said Google in a blog post. "We're also investigating the potential for this to serve as an early warning for the wearer, so we're exploring integrating tiny led lights that could light up to indicate that glucose levels have crossed above or below certain thresholds." While it's still early days for the technology, Google says it has completed multiple clinical research studies which are helping to refine the prototype. The search engine giant is also in talks with the FDA, and is now looking for partners to bring the product to market. "These partners will use our technology for a smart contact lens and develop apps that would make the measurements available to the wearer and their doctor," the firm said.