Self-powered smart contact lenses: a multidisciplinary approach to micro-scale energy and 900 MHz - 1.1 GHz bandwidth microfabricated loop antennas communication systems

TL;DR

This paper explores the development of self-powered smart contact lenses that integrate microelectronics, energy harvesting from ocular sources, and microfabricated antennas for wireless communication, aiming for autonomous, safe, and miniaturized wearable health devices.

Contribution

It introduces a multidisciplinary framework combining energy harvesting, antenna design, and biocompatible materials to advance self-powered smart contact lenses.

Findings

Demonstrated feasibility of tear salinity and eyelid motion for energy harvesting.

Designed compact loop antennas operating at 900 MHz to 1.1 GHz.

Proposed integrated system for real-time health monitoring.

Abstract

Smart contact lenses are at the forefront of integrating microelectronics, biomedical engineering, and optics into wearable technologies. This work addresses a key obstacle in their development: achieving autonomous power without compromising safety or miniaturization. We examine energy harvesting strategies using intrinsic ocular sources-particularly tear salinity and eyelid motion-to enable sustainable operation without external batteries. The study emphasizes compact loop antennas operating between 900 MHz and 1.1 GHz as critical for wireless data transmission and power management. Material choices, signal integrity, and biocompatibility are also discussed. By presenting recent advances in 3D-printed optics, antenna integration, and energy systems, we propose a conceptual framework for the next generation of smart lenses, enabling real-time health monitoring and vision enhancement through self-powered, compact devices.