ST provides wireless sensors for Sensimed's connected eye pressure monitor

ST provides wireless sensors for Sensimed's connected eye pressure monitor

STMicroelectronics, a global market leader in MEMS devices for consumer electronics and portable devices, announced that it has developed a wireless MEMS sensor for a breakthrough platform designed by Swiss company Sensimed AG. This unique sensor embedded in a contact lens can serve as the transducer, antenna and mechanical support component of the platform's additional data readout electronics. This solution can more effectively care for glaucoma patients through early diagnosis and the best treatment plan tailored to each individual.

The solution, named SENSIMED Triggerfish ^® , is based on a “smart” contact lens that uses an embedded micro-strain gauge to continuously monitor the curvature of the eye over a period of time (typically 24 hours), providing doctors with important disease management data that is not available with existing general ophthalmic equipment.

Glaucoma is the second leading cause of blindness in the world. It is an irreversible, progressive disease of the optic nerve that can eventually lead to blindness in both eyes. Although glaucoma cannot be cured, it can still be controlled if diagnosed promptly and treated correctly. The standard test is to use a tonometer to measure intraocular pressure (IOP) at regular visits to an ophthalmologist's office. However, the tonometer may not detect elevated intraocular pressure, especially in glaucoma patients, because intraocular pressure varies greatly throughout the day, usually peaking during sleep or outside of the office, and the condition is often not diagnosed until the optic nerve has been severely damaged. Because they do not receive timely treatment, many glaucoma patients' condition continues to worsen.

Sensimed's innovative solution consists of two components: a smart contact lens and a small receiver worn around the patient's neck. In addition to the strain gauge, the contact lens also has an embedded antenna, a miniature dedicated processing circuit and a radio frequency transmitter that sends the measurement data to the receiver. The contact lens is powered by the received radio waves, so there is no need to connect a battery. The embedded components are cleverly arranged on the lens so as not to interfere with the patient's field of vision. The contact lens is fitted to the patient by an ophthalmologist, and when the patient returns for a follow-up visit the next day, the ophthalmologist removes the glasses and the receiver to read out the complete IOP change data recorded over the past 24 hours.

STMicroelectronics engineers are working with Sensimed to transform this breakthrough technology into a reliable mass-produced MEMS product. STMicroelectronics expects to complete the development and design of the MEMS sensor in the second quarter of 2010 and put it into mass production in the third quarter of 2010. It must be approved by relevant regulations before it can be promoted to other doctors and patients outside the trial center. Sensimed and STMicroelectronics expect to launch it in European countries from the third quarter of 2010 and enter the US market by the end of 2011.