Contact lens sensor for ocular diagnostics
File(s)
Author(s)
Shi, Yuqi
Type
Thesis
Abstract
Personalised and point-of-care (POC) diagnostics are essential for maintaining ocular health in real-time monitoring and user-friendly tear fluid sampling. Fluorescence technologies have become increasingly popular in clinical tear diagnostics due to their efficacy in optical sensing. This popularity has led to the development of contact lens sensors designed for real-time fluorescence sensing and ocular monitoring. However, further technical exploration of tear biomarker monitoring is needed in specific ocular diseases. This thesis introduces three innovative fluorescent probes developed for monitoring lactoferrin, ascorbic acid (AA), and glutathione (GSH), which are designed to identify general dry eye disease, ocular inflammation, and the severity of oxidative stress-induced ocular dysfunctions, respectively. The sensors demonstrated promising calibration capabilities and addressed previous challenges with reversibility and real-time POC in AA and GSH monitoring. Notably, the GSH sensor excelled in detecting severity, providing critical insights into oxidative stress levels. The contact lens sensing material (poly(HEMA-co-EG)/PVP) has been modified and improved throughout the projects. These advanced lenses offer enhanced mechanical strength and surface functionality while maintaining transparency and wearability. 3D-printed bespoke readout boxes were designed to facilitate effective data collection from these sensors. The device features a unique, exclusive detection platform for contact lens sensors and an implantable universal smartphone holder. The readout algorithms were customised to match the unique properties of each fluorescent probe. Additionally, user-friendly smartphone application interfaces were developed to accommodate the global audience, ensuring accessibility and ease of use for each sensor. These proposed sensors represent a significant advancement in medical healthcare devices for ophthalmic diagnosis. They offer an alternative approach to real-time ocular monitoring, holding substantial potential for clinical applications. By integrating these sensors with advanced contact lens technology and innovative readout systems, this research paves the way for improved diagnostic techniques and enhanced patient care in ophthalmology.
Version
Open Access
Date Issued
2025-04-15
Date Awarded
01/10/2025
License URL
Advisor
Yetisen, Ali
Publisher Department
Department of Chemical Engineering
Publisher Institution
Imperial College London
Qualification Level
Doctoral
Qualification Name
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)