Lasik surgery has already given people a way to correct their vision with advanced technology, but what if it were possible to achieve similar results with an injectable device? Google filed a patent on April 28 that showed this may become a solution for those with vision problems in the future.
In the patent, illustrations demonstrate the injection of an electronic device that would focus light on the retina. This would ideally correct poor vision, and it would be powered wirelessly through an energy-harvesting antenna. It could also contain its own storage, radio and lens.
Google has notably filed many patents in the past that have not necessarily come to life. Thus far, the company has not widely announced the development of any vision-correcting technology stemming from the patent.
However, this is not the first time that Google has dabbled in optometry. The company has been notably working with Novartis, the global pharmaceutical company, to deliver innovative technology to the industry. Patent applications have revealed that one of the products that could be developed is a lens that senses glucose levels. This would likely be for diabetes patients.
In June 2015, news began circulating that the Google may be developing a contact lens that could collect and analyze data from tears.
Google has been working with Novartis since 2014. The pharmaceutical company licensed Google's "smart lens" technology for all ocular medical uses.
"We are looking forward to working with Google to bring together their advanced technology and our extensive knowledge of biology to meet unmet medical needs," said Novartis CEO Joseph Jimenez, at the time of the announcement. "This is a key step for us to go beyond the confines of traditional disease management, starting with the eye."
Under the agreement, Google claimed it would help Novartis with the development of products for diabetic patients, as well as individuals with presbyopia, who can no longer read without glasses.
"Our dream is to use the latest technology in the miniaturization of electronics to help improve the quality of life for millions of people," said Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google. "We are very excited to work with Novartis to make this dream come true."
