Microfluidic contact lenses for continuous non-invasive intraocular pressure monitoring

Abstract

This paper proposes the microfluidic contact lenses for continuous non-invasive intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring. The microfluidic contact lenses are the reference-sensing structure, fabricated by using the chemical assisted bonding and next thermoforming technologies. The curvature of contact lenses are made corresponds substantially to that of cornea, so as that, the PDMS (Polydimethylsiloxane) sensing layer can wear on cornea to “feeling” its expansion. The cornea’s deformation is varied in pace with IOP, while the IOP can be simply monitored by using the smart phone to optically detect the movement of visible liquid in the microchannels. The simulated and measured results of the devices with different parameters are presented, showing a good linearity. Also, we have found that the devices with outer distributed chamber or with the smaller microchannel were more sensitive. In next work, the devices will be redesigned to meet the needs of intraocular pressure monitoring and test in vivo.