Kirigami Design Smart Contact Lens for Highly Sensitive Eyelid Pressure Measurement

Eyelid pressure is a crucial biomechanical parameter for ocular health and refractive status, yet measuring it poses challenges related to flexibility, sensitivity, and regional specificity. This study introduces a novel smart contact lens that incorporates kirigami designs and an iontronic capacitive sensing array to enhance flexibility and conformability. The unique structural composition of this device allows for precise and simultaneous monitoring of eyelid pressure in multiple regions with a high sensitivity and seamlessly fit across corneal curvatures. The efficacy of the sensor has been thoroughly confirmed through comprehensive evaluations in rabbits and porcine eyes, demonstrating improved conformity and sensitivity compared to conventional single-point sensors. Assessments have been conducted in various conditions, including under anesthesia and in awake states, as well as the deliberate alteration of intraocular pressure fluctuations, all affirming the exceptional accuracy in detecting eyelid pressure. We envision that the smart contact lens has the potential to revolutionize diagnosis and management of eyelid-related ocular diseases.