An interesting byproduct of research into drug delivery contact lenses using nano-diamonds is a possible means to strengthen the lenses.
The lenses release timolol maleate into the eye on reaction with the patient's tears through the nanodiamonds, which are described as 'a byproduct of conventional mining and refining processes, are approximately five nanometers in diameter and are shaped like tiny soccer balls. They can be used to bind a wide spectrum of drug compounds and enable drugs to be released into the body over a long period of time.'
In carrying out the research at the UCLA School of Dentistry, it was discovered that as well as showing great potential for sustained glaucoma treatment, the nanodiamond drug compound improved the durability of the contact lenses. Mechanical testing proved they were stronger and there were favourable levels of optical clarity, without any apparent changes to water content.
Developments in drug-delivery and health-monitoring contact lenses are moving at pace although there are no details as yet on when such products will come to market and whether they will be in the realm of high street contact lens practice.