Purdue researcher leads teams creating patent-pending smart contacts for glaucoma, neovascularization, and dry eyes

The early bird gets the worm, and early detection can catch disease sooner, when treatment can be more effective. That’s as true for the first onset of a disease as for a relapse. Disease doesn’t always occur only once — even after cure, there can be a reversion. Just as early detection is critical to treating the original occurrence, it’s vital to catch the warning signs — the biomarkers — of the relapse in time to initiate a new round of therapeutic intervention.

Purdue University researcher Chi Hwan Lee is developing specialized smart soft contact lenses that can accurately measure intraocular pressure, or IOP, in a person’s eye. IOP is the only known modifiable risk factor for glaucoma.

The mission of the consortium is to accelerate the development, approval, and availability of innovative medical devices for children.

Listen to a Dr. Michael Roizen's podcast featuring Joey Wallace.

In June, Dr. Gurkan will be the plenary speaker at the Summer Biomechanics, Bioengineering and Biotransport Conference in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.