A Smart Contact Lens by Google? No, It’s not what we thought when first hearing about the company’s newest product. It won’t give you the power or options of Google Glass in a tiny contact lens. It’s actually made for those with diabetes.
Putting a focus on the health industry, the contact lens helps people diagnosed as diabetic to have a healthier life. By helping measure glucose levels the company announced on their blog that they are testing various prototypes made of a tiny wireless chip and an even smaller glucose sensor, which is encased between two soft layers of a contact lens material.
Within the blog, Google shares that for years scientists have been wondering and investigating if body fluids – like tears – can help in tracking glucose levels. A great idea but there hardly is an effective way to capture tears for study. But with mini electronics in a lens Google may have cracked a way to measure tear glucose easily and accurately.
The sensor can provide a reading each second and Google is now working to add tiny LED lights as a warning mechanism for users once they hit their glucose level ceiling.
Google says they are now working on turning their prototypes with the FDA into real products and bringing it to market. Others have tried to bring similar products to the consumer, but with Google’s incredible wings, it may be them being able to find the right path to make it real.