The electroreinogram (ERG), this test which measures how the cells of the eye react to the light, has long looked like an obligatory passage in an ophthalmologist equipped with science fiction: piece plunged into the dark, large box called “ganzfeld” which sends light flashes, and obligation to remain perfectly immobile. Not frankly the most relaxing session, especially for children.
As fine as a hair
The KAIST (Korea Advanced Institute of Science & Technology) has decided to change the situation. Their idea is to directly integrate the light source … in a contact lens. This involves a flexible OLED, 6 to 8 times finer than a hair, which lights up the retina without the need for a whole paraphernalia. “” This technology allows you to make an erg simply by carrying the lens “Explain the researchers. No need for the dark room and optical torture equipment!
This lens is not just a gadget: it is completely autonomous. It has an antenna to capture wireless energy, a control chip, and communicates via a frequency of 433 MHz to stay stable. The tests were even carried out with a controller hidden in a sleep mask, controlled from a smartphone.
Unlike the rigid LEDs usually used in connected lenses, the OLED diffuses light gently, without heating the eye (temperature under the 27 ° C, specify the tests on animals). Even with low light – much lower than that of a phone – the ERG is clear and precise. And don’t panic, the lens supports humidity very well.
« Integrating the flexibility and the light diffusion of ultrafine OLEDs into a lens is a world premiere “Rejoices the team. Beyond the diagnosis of retinal diseases, the invention could be used to treat myopia, to inject augmented reality directly into the field of vision or even to stimulate areas of the brain via light. In short, the lens could become to the eye what the smartphone is in the pocket: a small concentrate of multi-use technology.
For the moment, it will be necessary to wait a little more before crossing this lens in the trade. Those who hate old -fashioned ophthalmist visits here have a reason to rejoice: the future of the retina diagnosis could hold on a hair.
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