Clinical trial of a noninvasive contact lens glucose sensor

The purpose of the present study was to determine the effectiveness of a fluorescent contact lens glucose sensor in monitoring glucose in patients with diabetes. Under an institutional review board-approved protocol, five fasting patients with type II diabetes were given a challenge consisting of 75 mL of Sustacal (Thomson Micromedex, Greenwood, CO) by mouth. Contact lens fluorescence and venous blood glucose were measured over a 3-h period. Contact lens fluorescence appeared to track blood glucose well. The fluorescent daily-wear disposable contact lenses were comfortable and were tolerated well, even in patients who had not previously worn contact lenses. The contact lens glucose sensor shows promise as a home glucose monitor.