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Alcon, Google collaborate on devices to manage chronic disease
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ATLANTA – Alcon’s partnership with Google to develop wearable and implantable smart devices to assist with chronic disease management is progressing in the areas of contact lenses and IOLs, the company announced at a press conference here at SECO.
Joe Rappon, OD, MS, FAAO, Alcon’s global program head for the Google-Alcon collaboration, discussed plans for a glucose-sensing contact lens, an accommodating contact lens and an accommodating IOL.
Google X developed a processor that could be minimized and made economically enough to be placed in a contact lens, Rappon said. The data is processed and wirelessly sent to the patient so he or she can use that information to better manage their diabetes, he said.
Google announced this project in January 2014, and Alcon partnered with them in July 2014.
“And we thought: What if we could use that same kind of technology for contacts that can help with presbyopia?” Rappon said. “So, we’re focusing on ophthalmic biosensing (measuring glucose levels or other things in the tear fluid to help patients manage disease better) and functional improvement (being able to deal with presbyopia in a way that’s never before been possible through contact lenses and even IOLs).”
Rappon noted that while it is important that the electronics are completely encased in the contact lens material, “we’re not limited by any particular material; we have lots of options. We’re very interested in our water gradient technology.”
Functionality is the biggest challenge, Rappon said.
Rappon explained that the accommodating lens will require some type of power source.
“The technology exists for the contact lens, but miniaturizing it is tough,” he said. “We have more space with the IOL, but it’s got to stay in the eye for a long period of time – 30, 40, 50 years. Batteries are almost definitely going to be part of this. We’re looking at all sorts of energy-harvesting technology. We’ll take advantage of wireless charging capabilities. Cell phones are moving to this right now.”
Rappon continued, “We need to make sure we can keep this technology affordable enough so we can bring it to patients.”
The company is beginning clinical trials with the accommodating contact lens and anticipates that it, as well as the glucose device, will come to market in several years, he said.
Richard E. Weisbarth, OD, FAAO, Alcon vice president of professional affairs, said that part of the development process also involves regulatory issues, as it is a brand-new product for the FDA to evaluate, as well as privacy and practice scope issues. – by Nancy Hemphill, ELS, FAAO
Disclosures: Rappon and Weisbarth are employed by Alcon.