Google is testing a smart contact lens that can measure glucose levels in tears. The lens uses a tiny wireless chip and miniaturized glucose sensor that are embedded between two layers of soft contact lens material.

Google is testing prototypes that can generate a reading once per second. The company says it is also investigating the potential for this to serve as an early warning for the wearer, by integrating tiny LED lights that could light up to indicate that glucose levels have crossed above or below certain thresholds.

Google has completed multiple clinical research studies and are in discussions with the FDA. The company also plans to look for partners who can bring the product to the market.

The project is part of Google X, the secret lab within the company working on experimental projects and headed by Google co-founder Sergey Brin.

[Image courtesy: Google]