Google tests smart contact lens device

Technology firm Google has embarked on a project to test a smart contact lens capable of measuring glucose levels in the tears of diabetics.

The soft contact lenses used a wireless chip and glucose sensor embedded between two layers, the company outlined last week. It was testing prototypes capable of generating a glucose reading each second.

Google was also exploring whether the integration of LED lights into the product could act as an early warning signal for when blood sugar levels went above or below certain thresholds.

It said although some people wear glucose monitors with a sensor embedded under their skin, all people with diabetes must still prick their finger and test drops of blood throughout the day. This was ‘disruptive and painful’ meaning many people with diabetes checked their blood glucose less often than they should.