A team of scientists from the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), in partnership with ETRI and Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, has unveiled the world’s first wireless OLED-powered contact lens for on-eye retinal diagnostics
What Makes It Groundbreaking
- Ultrathin OLED Integration
The contact lens incorporates a flexible OLED approximately 12.5 µm thick—up to 8 times thinner than a human hair - Simplified Diagnostic Process
It enables electroretinography (ERG) simply by wearing the lens—no need for a dark room or a stationary Ganzfeld device - Wireless Power & Control
Equipped with a wireless power antenna and control chip, operating at a 433 MHz resonant frequency. A sleep mask controller links wirelessly with a smartphone, enhancing usability
Performance & Safety Insights
- Gentle and Effective Light Delivery
Unlike rigid LEDs, the OLED emits diffuse “areal” light, gentle on the eye and effective even at a low luminance of 126 nits Interesting Engineering - Safe Temperature Range
Animal testing showed the lens keeps surface temperature under 27 °C, avoiding heat damage to the cornea and proving reliable even in humidity
Broader Implications and Applications
This innovation promises to fundamentally transform retinal diagnostics, making testing more accessible, comfortable, and portable. Beyond ERG testing, the platform holds promise for:
- Myopia treatment
- Ocular biosignal analysis
- Augmented reality visual overlays
- Light-based neurostimulation
Why It Matters
- Patient-Friendly Diagnostics: Eliminates bulky setups and dark rooms—especially helpful in pediatric and geriatric care.
- Portable and Scalable: Ideal for modern healthcare, telemedicine, and remote diagnostics.
- Versatile Platform: Could evolve into therapeutic and interactive applications in eye care and beyond.
