From Sci-Fi to Reality
Researchers in Singapore made a real-world innovation inspired by the movie “Mission Impossible,” where an agent used a high-tech contact lens for facial recognition and eye tracking. Scientitsts have created an ultra-thin battery that fits into contact lenses, turning them into smart lenses.
Imagine a world where your contact lenses do more than just correct your vision. Researchers have taken a significant step towards this future with the development of an ultra-thin battery specifically designed for smart contact lenses.
Scientists have created an ultra-thin battery that measures around 0.2 millimeters in thickness, which is slim enough to fit within a 0.5-millimeter contact lens. This remarkable feat of miniaturization allows for seamless integration within a comfortable contact lens.
Charged by Tears: The Innovative Power Source for Smart Contacts
The battery can be charged using a traditional wire or chemical method, but it can also harness the glucose in your tears for power. The battery utilizes a clever biocompatible design. Coated with glucose, it generates a charge when placed in a saline solution. The key here? Tears. Tears contain trace amounts of glucose and ions that, when in contact with the battery, create a small electric current, essentially recharging the lens.
Smart Contact Lenses: A Breakthrough in Vision and Healthcare
This innovation holds immense potential. With continuous power, smart contact lenses could transform how we interact with the world. Imagine lenses that display information directly in your field of vision, eliminating the need for bulky phones or headsets. Beyond convenience, there are exciting healthcare applications. Lenses could continuously monitor blood sugar levels for diabetics or even measure vital signs.
However, there’s still development ahead. Researchers are likely refining the charging efficiency and overall lifespan of the battery. But this breakthrough paves the way for a future where our tears not only lubricate our eyes but also power incredible technological advancements.
