Contact lenses that monitor blood sugar levels in diabetics are being developed by Researchers at the University of Bath.

The two-year research programme lead by Dr Tony James and Dr Steve Bull will develop a lens that incorporates ‘sensor hologram’ technology to monitor glucose levels in the wearer’s tears.

Changes in the glucose level in the tear fluid alter the wavelength of light reflected by the sensor hologram in the contact lens; this alteration can then be detected by a small device held up to the eye to give an accurate and painless reading.

At present diabetics have to take blood samples by pricking themselves with a needle they then use an electronic kit to measure the sample’s glucose levels,

Glucose levels in a diabetic’s blood can quickly rise or fall too much, which can cause coma or other health problems.