Utopia,
Thought you might be interested in what the eye care field is doing regarding therapeutics:
NEW MATERIALS MAY BECOME MEDICATION-DISPENSING CONTACT LENS FOR GLAUCOMA.
Biomedical engineers at the University of California (UC) Davis have devised materials that they're hoping to develop as a contact lens outfitted with pressure sensors and medication stores. When the sensors detect changes in eye pressure that signal the need for medication, the contact lens will dispense the medication itself. The material is made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto which precisely patterned powdered silver is placed. The silver, an antimicrobial agent, becomes the conductive wiring that makes these the lens "smart." When shaped and worn as a contact lens, the PDMS-silver disc is expected to dispense medication as the pressure in the eye dictates. The contact lens will also be capable of relaying ocular statistics that can be evaluated to further knowledge of glaucoma, with improved treatment or prevention as the ultimate goal. The UC research team has applied for approval to test the lenses on humans.
Biomedical engineers at the University of California (UC) Davis have devised materials that they're hoping to develop as a contact lens outfitted with pressure sensors and medication stores. When the sensors detect changes in eye pressure that signal the need for medication, the contact lens will dispense the medication itself. The material is made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto which precisely patterned powdered silver is placed. The silver, an antimicrobial agent, becomes the conductive wiring that makes these the lens "smart." When shaped and worn as a contact lens, the PDMS-silver disc is expected to dispense medication as the pressure in the eye dictates. The contact lens will also be capable of relaying ocular statistics that can be evaluated to further knowledge of glaucoma, with improved treatment or prevention as the ultimate goal. The UC research team has applied for approval to test the lenses on humans.
Carl S., OD