Joshua Salazar Google smart lens January 23, 2014 Smart Contact Lens Project Google Inc. has been known over the years for their Internet search engine and digital media, but it is now stepping into the healthcare industry, announcing a design that is potentially a game-changer for those with diabetes. On Jan. 15, Google’s official blog had a post from the companies project cofounders, Brian Otis and Babak Parviz that gave details about Google’s new smart contact lens prototype. “We’re now testing a smart contact lens that’s built to measure glucose levels in tears… testing prototypes that can generate a reading once per second“ Otis and Parviz wrote. In order to maintain diabetes properly, those with the disease perform glucose level checks on a regular bases. Though there are a couple different ways to test this, the most common method is pricking a finger throughout the day to get a blood sample reading. “It’s disruptive, and it’s painful. And, as a result, many people with diabetes check their blood glucose less often than they should. “ Otis and Parvis wrote.
Enduring painful testing may no longer have to be a choice with Google smart lenses. Plus, with the ability to read a persons glucose level with tear production, one does not run the risk of high or low spikes in between testing which could be life threatening. Daniel Rodriguez, junior pre-nursing major at California Baptist University, has been struggling with type1 diabetes for 2 years. When he heard about the Google smart lens he was interested. “It would be cool… I would try it (Google smart lens)” Rodriguez said. To Rodriguez, a new way to monitor glucose that is not painful would be life changing. However, Rodriguez still holds his common sense about such a new product. “I would do my research on all the bugs first.” Rodriquez said. If Google does create this new product, Rodriguez will watch to see if problems arise. Dr. Dennis K. Bideshi, microbiologist and instructor at CBU has his own reserve about Google’s prototype. “Your hear a lot of hype about things that don’t always pan out.” Bideshi said. Without giving any perspective on the Google smart lens, Bideshi said he would have to read about the product and do further research.
Only time will tell whether Google’s prototype will ever make it past the testing stages. At this time Google Corp. is talking with the Food and Drug Administration as well as look for companies to partner with on this project. Google recognizes that in order to make these smart lenses functional there is still a lot of work ahead.
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