Google partnered with Swiss drug firm Novartis for the development of smart contact lenses that can monitor health and improve vision.
Google, the world's largest internet search company, is teaming up with one of the world's biggest drug makers Novartis to develop and commercialize smart lenses for monitoring health and improving vision. The smart lens technology was first shown in January and is a part of Google X, where a host of future tech devices are being developed such as Google Glass and self-driving cars. Google is aiming at providing a seamless solution to monitor health and fitness with its expanding range of wearables.
The latest partnership with Novartis' eye care division Alcon will help Google get the right medical guidance it needs to make the smart lenses efficient. The web giant has revealed its smart lenses will be able to monitor diabetes by measuring the level of glucose in tears. The data can be used for analysis and better control of diabetes among patients, opening a possibility for new treatments.
"We are looking forward to working with Google to bring together their advanced technology and our extensive knowledge of biology to meet unmet medical needs," Novartis CEO Joseph Jimenez, said in a press release, Tuesday. "This is a key step for us to go beyond the confines of traditional disease management, starting with the eye."
Google co-founder Sergey Brin echoed Jemenez' thoughts as his company aims to use the latest technology to improve the quality of life in people. "We are very excited to work with Novartis to make this dream come true," Brin said.
Google's smart lenses use non-invasive sensors, microchips and other electronics to help track the glucose levels continuously for diabetic patients. The information will be sent wirelessly to mobile devices. In addition to that, the smart lenses are also capable of improving vision in patients with presbyopia, acondition where people cannot read without glasses.
