Samsung Smart Contact Lens CGM — Tear Glucose Monitoring

Type: device

Status: Research & Development

Developer: Samsung Advanced Institute of Technology

Breakthrough Summary

Samsung is developing a smart contact lens with embedded microelectronics for tear-fluid glucose monitoring. Published in Science Advances (2025), the prototype demonstrated glucose tracking in rabbit models with correlation to blood glucose (r=0.91). Human trials anticipated by late 2026.

Mechanism of Action

A flexible biosensor embedded in a soft contact lens measures glucose concentration in tear fluid via glucose oxidase electrochemistry. An NFC antenna powers the sensor wirelessly from a smartphone and transmits readings. An integrated micro-LED signals hypo/hyperglycemia alerts directly in the wearer's field of vision.

Year: 2025-2026