What’s New in Contact Lens Technology? (2024)

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November 23, 2024

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The global uptick in ocular problems has prompted more people to rely on optical correction tools like contacts or glasses to prevent complications that can lead to sight loss.

Research estimates that around 140 to 150 million people worldwide wear contact lenses. According to the National Eye Institute, many contact lens users prefer wearing contacts because they are smaller and more convenient than glasses, which tend to be bulky and fog up during colder weather, among other inconveniences.

However, personal preference isn’t the only thing propelling the growth of contact lens use. With a projected CAGR of 8.9% from 2024 to 2030, the growth of the global contact lens market is undeniable. According to Grand View Research, this steady market performance is driven by continuous innovations and emerging technologies in contact lens manufacturing. To better understand the growth of the contact lens market, here’s a closer look at what’s new in contact lens technology:

Self-lubrication

Studies show that 9% of contact lens users discontinue wearing contacts after experiencing dry eyes due to friction between the lenses and the eye surface. As a result, manufacturers have produced tear-infused contact lenses that provide better eye lubrication. Some major brands and products available in the market, including ACUVUE and Dailies, have LACREON and blink-activated moisture technologies that combat dryness. This year, researchers found a new way to create self-lubricating contacts by engineering C. glutamicum, a harmless bacterium that can continually produce the natural lubricant hyaluronic acid, and embedding it in the rims of lenses. By getting nutrients from natural tears and lens care solutions, the bacteria can consistently produce hyaluronic acid for more eye comfort during contact lens wear time.

Machine vision

Contact lens manufacturers are now leveraging machine vision to ensure quality control and consistent accuracy in contact lens production. Machine vision is a subset of artificial intelligence that uses computers to emulate human vision by capturing, processing, and analyzing real-world images. In contact lens production, machine vision ensures the highest quality of lens production for guaranteed vision protection among wearers. Machine vision can detect defects in the manufacturing process of contacts through machine learning algorithms, use automated inspection systems to accurately measure the dimensions of lenses, and operate continuously for increased efficiency. This technology ensures that only high-quality contact lenses are released in the market.

Spiral design

Early this year, inventor Laurent Galinier created contact lenses with a coiled spiral design on the surface. This spiral shape can alter the path that light rays travel to enter the lenses, creating optical vortices that seemingly twist these rays to provide multifocal enhanced images of objects. Galinier and other scientists from the Institut d’Optique Graduate School in France found that spiral contacts can provide more clarity and detail when lots of light moves through the lenses, even in poorly lit environments. This innovative design offers greater potential for contact lens use in various lighting conditions.

Natural disinfection

Research shows that improper contact lens wear can cause microbial keratitis, a bacterial infection that can cause blindness. While disinfecting solutions like Biotrue and Clear Care are available, previous studies found that existing lens disinfectants are ineffective in preventing bacterial clusters on contact lenses. In February this year, a team of researchers found that a natural material can offer a solution. They found that a multi-purpose solution containing the natural material hydroquinine, an organic compound found in tree bark, may prevent contamination and infection of the eyes. Hydroquinine can kill bacteria that cause microbial keratitis, highlighting the promising potential for creating natural contact lens disinfectants.

Contact lenses are a popular alternative for people who need vision correction but don’t want to use glasses. With these latest innovations in contact lens technology, it’s clear that contact lenses have a larger role to play in vision correction worldwide. For more on the latest in technology and AI, check out our other articles here at Rebellion Research.