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03/28/2024 11:37:36 am

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Google and Novartis to Develop Smart Contact Lenses that Help Diabetics

Novartis

(Photo : reuters.com)

Monitoring glucose levels using special contact lenses embedded with electronics is now possible.

Google said it will establish a partnership with Novartis, a major Swiss pharmaceutical company, to develop smart contact lenses.

The smart contact lens uses tiny sensors and microchips embedded into the lens. It can measure and read the amount of glucose in a person's tears, so that diabetics address their condition properly. The smart lenses will send the details to a user's mobile device.

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Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google, said Google wants to use the latest technology to improve the quality of life of many people.

“We are very excited to work with Novartis to make this dream come true,” he added.

Alcon, Novartis’ eye care division, will work with Google on creating the smart contact lenses to be commercially available in the future.

Novartis said it focusing on two areas of technology.

One is to help the diabetic to address his condition properly and the second is to help short-sighted people correct their vision.

Joseph Jimenez, CEO of Novartis, said his company is looking forward to working with Google to deliver both the latest technology and extensive knowledge of biology in meeting the medical needs of people.

“This is a key step for us to go beyond the confines of traditional disease management, starting with the eye,” he said.

Google's teaming up with Novartis is part of its futuristic projects such as Google Glass.

There weren't any statements from both companies as regards the time frame for the development of their smart contact lenses.

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