HMN 2026: How Smart contact lens uses AI to track eye pressure and release drugs

Dr. Yangzhi Zhu from the Terasaki Institute for Biomedical Innovation has published a research paper titled “Real-time intraocular pressure monitoring and responsive drug delivery in preclinical models by an all-polymer smart contact lens” in Science Translational Medicine. The study introduces an innovative smart contact lens that integrates AI-enabled real-time intraocular pressure monitoring with closed-loop treatment delivery.

By combining continuous sensing, intelligent data interpretation, and responsive drug release in a single wearable platform, this technology represents a major advance in the management of ocular diseases such as glaucoma.

Dr. Zhu’s work demonstrates the potential of a new class of therapeutic biointerfaces that do not simply monitor disease, but actively respond to it. The smart contact lens continuously tracks intraocular pressure in real time, uses AI-enabled analysis to identify pressure changes, and triggers treatment delivery in a closed-loop manner. This integrated approach offers a noninvasive, highly responsive, and patient-friendly strategy for precision management of ocular disease. The technology has shown promising results in preclinical models, paving the way for future clinical translation.

“Our goal was to create a platform that not only monitors disease in real time but also responds to it immediately,” said Dr. Zhu. “By integrating sensing and drug delivery into a single smart contact lens, we are moving toward a more precise and patient-friendly approach to treating ocular conditions. We hope this technology can ultimately improve the quality of life for patients by reducing the burden of traditional treatment methods.”