Remember the Smart
contact lens concept that Google announced back in January? Well, it looks
like the search giant is finally ready to take the concept out of the drawing
board into the production line.
Google has signed a deal with Novartis that allows the
latter to use and improve the technology for mass consumption. Specifically,
Novartis’ eye care division Alcon will be in charge of creating the contact
lenses for use with diabetes patients to monitor their sugar levels through
their tear fluid and at the same time function as a normal contact lens that
improves vision.
The search company will in turn create the sensors and the
chips that will allow the contact lens to capture user data. Now, there’s no
specific timeline on when the two companies will release a commercial version
of the lenses, but nonetheless this is great news not only for the tech space
but also in the field of medicine.
Lastly, the smart contact lens also fits well on Google’s
plans to help consolidate user health information through Google
Fit, which it announced alongside the Android L preview back in Google I/O.
