Glaucoma is a disease of high pressure in the eye characterized by damage to the optic nerve, which can lead to vision loss.
Technology Advances to Predict Glaucoma Progression
At present, disease progression is monitored through comprehensive eye examinations. In office testing can include measuring eye pressure and assessing a patient’s central and peripheral vision using visual field testing.
The Problem
The problem with measuring eye pressure in the doctor’s office is that it only provides a measurement for a single point in time. In addition, eye pressure commonly rises at night when it is impractical to see a doctor.
The Solution
Researchers from Columbia University in New York City have come up with a remarkable solution:
A contact lens with a built-in sensor that can monitor eye pressure 24 hours a day.
The sensor in the lens picks up any change in lens curvature which indicates a change in eye pressure. With the help of an attached wireless antenna, the data is sent to the patient’s physician via Bluetooth.
Where Are We Now?
Since this post was originally written in 2021, continuous eye pressure monitoring has made meaningful progress. A smart contact lens system known as the Triggerfish, developed by Sensimed, has been approved in several countries and is now used in specialized clinics to help track 24-hour pressure patterns in glaucoma patients.
In the United States, these technologies are still limited in availability and are primarily used for research or complex cases, but ongoing clinical trials continue to refine accuracy, comfort, and data integration with electronic health records.
Additionally, artificial intelligence is now being used alongside these sensors to better predict which patients are most at risk of progression, helping doctors personalize treatment plans earlier than ever before.
For Now, Regular Eye Exams are Key
This advanced contact lens is not yet available in the United States, but our hope is that it will be available soon.
So for now, in order to detect glaucoma, your physician will need test your visual acuity and visual field and test the pressure in your eye. Regular eye exams help to monitor the changes in your eyesight and to determine whether you may develop glaucoma.
If you’re located in central New Jersey, our Eye M.D.’s can help monitor your eyesight. Contact us to set up an appointment.
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