At the Weldon School of Biomedical Engineering, innovation isn’t just an idea—it’s a reality. Professor Chi Hwan Lee, alongside co-inventor Bryan Boudouris, has developed and patented Hydrogel Soft Contact Lenses as Eye Health Monitoring Wearables. This cutting-edge technology transforms everyday contact lenses into non-invasive real-time health monitors capable of tracking critical biomarkers with precision and ease.

A New Vision for Wearable Health Tech

Traditional electronic sensors have struggled to integrate with soft flexible contact lenses due to issues with oxygen permeability, comfort and durability. Lee’s team overcame these barriers with an electrochemical printing technique, seamlessly embedding biosensors into hydrogel-based lenses. The result? A wearable device that is biocompatible ergonomic and capable of continuous health monitoring—without disrupting vision or comfort.

The lenses are designed to detect changes in intraocular pressure, glucose levels and even neuromuscular disorders, providing doctors and patients with real-time data that can be uploaded to a connected system for remote monitoring.

Why It Matters

This innovation marks a significant step forward in biomedical engineering and patient care. Unlike traditional monitoring tools that require invasive procedures or frequent hospital visits, Lee’s smart contact lenses offer a seamless wearable alternative. Patients can go about their daily routines while their lenses silently and continuously gather vital health information.

With applications in glaucoma detection, remote glucose monitoring and ocular disease diagnostics, this patent represents more than just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a commitment to improving lives.

Learn more here: https://inventions.prf.org/innovation.html?InventionID=7413

The Purdue Innovates Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university’s academic activities through commercializing, licensing and protecting Purdue intellectual property. In fiscal year 2024, the office reported 145 deals finalized with 224 technologies signed, 466 invention disclosures received and 290 U.S. and international patents received. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2019 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Place from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. In 2020, IPWatchdog Institute ranked Purdue third nationally in startup creation and in the top 20 for patents. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Contact otcip@prf.org for more information.