These smart contact lens prototypes could make me ditch glasses in the future thanks to wireless energy transfer and ocular health biosensing.
XPANCEO has presented three prototypes of smart contact lenses.
In the context of the MWC 2025 event, XPANCEO, a company that calls itself "deep tech" and focuses on the next generation of computing, has unveiled three prototypes of smart contact lenses. This exhibition provides a glimpse of technologies that could transform visual health in the future.
XPANCEO's prototypes stand out for incorporating fully remote energy transfer, biosensors, and intraocular pressure sensors, which have applications in the detection and management of diseases such as glaucoma. Below, the functionalities of each of these innovative devices are described, which could become commonplace in daily life, similar to what is happening with smartwatches.
The first prototype from XPANCEO highlights its remote energy transfer technology. Any smart device, including contact lenses, needs a power source to function. This invention allows for the wireless charging of a contact lens from a compact device, such as a specialized case. While the idea of receiving electricity in the eye may sound concerning, the company assures that the radiation emissions are similar to those of other commonly used devices, such as wireless earbuds.
The second prototype is a biosensor that can measure bodily parameters through tear fluid. According to the company, this lens uses nanoparticles to allow high-sensitivity monitoring of biomarkers such as glucose, cortisol, and various vitamins. This proposes an innovative approach for non-invasive measurement of health metrics, in contrast to attempts by other companies in the field of glucose monitoring.
The third prototype is designed for the non-invasive management of glaucoma. Through a mobile app powered by artificial intelligence and an integrated intraocular pressure sensor, it promises to provide instant accurate measurements, facilitating the early detection of glaucoma before significant vision loss occurs.
In addition to these three prototypes, XPANCEO showcased improvements in smart contact lens technology that include augmented reality, which can now display images directly through an integrated microdisplay, eliminating the need for external sources. A data-reading contact lens was also presented, allowing for the real-time wireless transmission of information to a mobile device.
Even though these prototypes are just an initial step and may be years away from being marketable, if XPANCEO manages to commercialize even one of these innovations, it could represent a significant advance in the field of eye health.
