Eye diseases are on the rise globally due to factors such as an aging population and increased screen time. With technologies like virtual and augmented reality becoming more prevalent, the need to improve diagnostic techniques for early detection and monitoring of ocular diseases is essential. Among the tools available to ophthalmologists, electroretinography (ERG) is a valuable tool for measuring electrical potentials in the retina. Many eye diseases cause abnormalities in ERG signals, making it an important tool for diagnosis. However, current ERG measurement devices are complex, expensive, and uncomfortable for patients, as electrodes are typically placed on hard contact lenses.
A research team led by Professor Takeo Miyake from Waseda University in Japan set out to develop a new soft ERG multi-electrode system to address these issues. Their study, published in Advanced Materials Technologies, describes a system using a soft disposable contact lens immersed in a solution containing EDOT monomer. Gold mesh electrodes with connecting wires are placed on the inner surface of the contact lens, and a current is circulated through the solution to form a polymer called PEDOT, fixing the gold components to the lens. The PEDOT layer can be overoxidized to form an insulating layer on the collecting wire, preventing interference between retinal signals and ensuring precise measurements.
The result is a flexible and transparent multi-electrode system for ERG measurements that is as comfortable as commercial contact lenses. Optoelectrical properties were examined, and experiments on rabbits confirmed biocompatibility and the correlation between electrode location and intensity of ERG signals. This design allows for precise spatial measurements of multiple ERG signals simultaneously, aiding in the understanding and diagnosis of ocular diseases. With the increasing use of augmented and virtual reality devices, continuous monitoring of eye conditions will be essential, and a smart contact lens connected to a network could transmit eye health data to specialists, preventing irreversible damage.
The development of this innovative ERG system holds promise for improved understanding and diagnosis of ocular diseases. Miyake highlights the potential for smart contact lenses to transmit eye health data to specialists while users go about their daily routines. This continuous monitoring could prevent irreversible eye damage and ensure timely intervention if any issues arise. As technologies continue to advance and screen time increases, the need for precise and continuous monitoring of eye health will become increasingly important, making innovations like the soft ERG multi-electrode system crucial for early detection and management of ocular diseases.
The soft ERG multi-electrode system developed by the research team offers a comfortable and efficient way to measure retinal signals for the diagnosis of ocular diseases. By using a commercial disposable contact lens as a base and incorporating gold mesh electrodes with connecting wires, the researchers have created a system that is flexible, transparent, and easy to use. The overoxidation of the PEDOT layer ensures precise measurements of ERG signals without interference, allowing for accurate spatial measurements of multiple signals simultaneously. This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize the way eye diseases are diagnosed and monitored, particularly in the context of advancing technologies like augmented and virtual reality devices.
In conclusion, the development of the soft ERG multi-electrode system represents a significant advancement in the field of ophthalmology. The system offers a more comfortable and efficient method for measuring ERG signals, allowing for precise spatial measurements of multiple signals simultaneously. The potential for continuous monitoring of eye health through smart contact lenses connected to a network could revolutionize the way ocular diseases are diagnosed and managed, preventing irreversible damage and ensuring timely intervention. As technology continues to advance and screen time increases, innovations like the soft ERG multi-electrode system will play a crucial role in improving the early detection and monitoring of ocular diseases.
