Google Glass allows wearers to see and interact with the world in a whole new way. Now Google contact lenses can help diabetics track their insulin levels in a whole new, nerdy-techy-cool way.
The contact lens is embedded with sensors that are able to detect glucose levels in tears, as often as once per second. The creators are also thinking about adding a tiny LED light that will alert the wearer when glucose levels are too high or too low.
This may sound like crazy science fiction, but the idea has actually been around for a few years. According to The Verge, one of the co-creators, Babek Parviz, envisioned a contact lens that could track several vital signs back in 2009 and the University of Washington, backed by Microsoft, had a similar idea in 2011.
The tiny wireless chip and glucose sensor are embedded between two layers of soft contact lens material so it’s noticeable to the wearer. Google said they were in discussions with the FDA to explore how to bring the device to market and they have “multiple clinical research studies” to refine their prototype. There is no word on when this device will hit the market.
Medical body trackers
Body trackers have become all the rage in the past few months. Amazon reported that Fitbit, a device that tracks sleep patterns and counts steps, was their top selling fitness item. There are even devices for tracking sleeping infants. Expanding body trackers to also include a strong clinical focus opens up the door for many options. Perhaps a more sensitive cardiac tracking device? How about improved wearable tech for tracking Alzheimer patients if they wander off? There is even an app used by the MIT Media Lab that can tell, before the user, when they are coming down with flu-like symptoms.
What do you think of this cutting edge technology that might be part of a doctor’s arsenal in coming years? Do you think body trackers, in general, have a place in medicine? If you’re an M.D. or D.O., we’ll be discussing this in more detail inside Sermo. Please come join us.
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