Augmenting the human body with smart devices has been a fantasy for a long time. The idea of wearing or attaching such devices to the body to help aid with shortcomings or even improve performance never materialised due technological and other setbacks. This is of course no longer the case as we are well and truly into the “future”. From functional prosthetic limbs to strength boosting exoskeletons, body augmentation devices have steadily infiltrated the mainstream. And most recently, although not the most extravagant of the lot, researchers from Tohoku University created a device that solves a common everyday issue for people with ocular issues. 

Individuals with problems relating to the eye generally either wear spectacles or contact lenses. The reasons for opting for either one are obvious. But for the ones choosing to take the minimal route ie.. the lenses, there are certain attributes to this method that can be an annoyance. The continual wear of contact lenses can result in a condition called “dry eye syndrome” due to reduced blinking and increased moisture evaporation. This condition can eventually lead to discomfort, inflammation and even corneal wounds. 

So, to help solve this particular issue, the Tohoku University researchers developed an innovative new mechanism that can keep the lens moist. By using the principle of electroosmotic flow that causes liquids to flow when a voltage is applied across a charged surface, they created a lens that keeps the corneas hydrated. The lens does this by applying current to a hydrogel, which in turn pushes fluid upwards from the patients’ temporary tear reservoir into the surface of the eye. 

Moreover, to optimize this system even further, the researchers tested the possibility of using a wireless power supply for the contact lens. They tested two forms of bio batteries that included a magnesium oxygen version and an enzymatic fructose oxygen fuel cell. The results were very positive as the researcher confirmed that these non toxic batteries could be directly mounted on to the charged contact lens and enable the system to work efficiently. 

The usage of such smart devices to better human performance has clearly started to gain ground. With more research and development, it is highly likely that these devices would be commercialised sooner than we can realize. Today, with this self moisturizing contact lens, scientists were able to solve a minor problem. But as we progress deeper into the future, such devices are bound to evolve and will eventually help solve far greater problems and improve the lives of millions of people all around the world.