Phototherapeutic contact lens for diabetic retinopathy

This paper reports on the first phototherapeutic “contact lens” to manage diabetic retinopathy by reducing retinal metabolism via suppression of rod cell dark current. The contact lens is composed of PDMS embedded with a ring of gaseous tritium light sources providing continuous illumination over the lifetime of the lens. Electroretinogram responses from rabbits demonstrate bioactivity of the lens, which is further explored in 1D simulations of retinal oxygenation. Tests in human eyes validate comfort, fit, and the Troxler neural adaptation effect. With oxygen transmissibility, DK/t, of 130 Fatt, the lens meets FDA guidelines for overnight wear and offers advantages of comfort and reliability.