Singapore, September 3, 2023 – Scientists in Singapore have achieved a remarkable feat in the world of wearable technology by inventing a groundbreaking flexible battery that can power smart contact lenses using tears as a source of energy. This remarkable development has the potential to revolutionize the field of healthcare and wearable tech, promising smart contact lenses that can monitor health conditions, display information, and enhance vision.
This groundbreaking innovation, detailed in multiple sources including revolves around a flexible battery composed of a thin layer of silver chloride and sodium chloride. This battery can generate electricity from the tears naturally produced by our eyes, making it a biocompatible and irritation-free power source for smart contact lenses.
How It Works: The flexible battery is designed to harness the electrical potential present in tears. When tears come into contact with the silver chloride and sodium chloride layers, a chemical reaction occurs, generating a small but sufficient amount of electricity. This breakthrough allows the battery to produce enough power to run wireless sensors and LED lights embedded in the contact lens.
Biocompatibility and Comfort: One of the key advantages of this innovation is its biocompatibility. Unlike some other wearable technologies that may cause irritation or inflammation, these tear-powered batteries are designed to be gentle on the eye. Wearers can enjoy safe, comfortable use without the fear of discomfort.
Potential Applications: The potential applications of these tear-powered batteries are vast and promising. Researchers envision a future where smart contact lenses equipped with these batteries can be used for various purposes, including:
- Health Monitoring: These smart lenses could continuously monitor health conditions, providing real-time data on glucose levels, hydration, or even detecting early signs of diseases.
- Information Display: Users may access information such as notifications, messages, or navigation data displayed directly on their contact lenses.
- Enhanced Vision: The technology could be utilized to enhance vision, providing augmented reality overlays or correcting vision problems.
Future Prospects: While the technology is still in the research and development phase, the success of this tear-powered battery brings us closer to a future where smart contact lenses are an integral part of our lives. The research team in Singapore is optimistic about the potential of this innovation and continues to work towards refining and commercializing the technology.
In conclusion, the invention of a flexible battery powered by tears is a significant stride forward in the world of wearable technology. As researchers continue to explore its applications, we can anticipate a future where smart contact lenses become more than just a vision correction tool, but a multifunctional wearable that enhances our lives in various ways.
Resources:
1.https://www.freethink.com/hard-tech/smart-contact-lenses
3.https://interestingengineering.com/innovation/contact-lens-battery-charged-by-tears
4.https://newatlas.com/health-wellbeing/tear-charged-glucose-battery-smart-contact-lenses/