Are Your Patients Solar Eclipse-Savvy?

HOT TOPIC

Researchers Create Contact Lens That Garners Energy From Light and Tears

Researchers from the University of Utah have developed an all-in-one hybrid energy-generation contact lens. In a paper published in the journal Small, they describe how their breakthrough design combines a flexible silicon solar cell with a device that can convert tears into energy. They claim that the system can reliably supply enough power to operate intelligent contact lenses and other ocular devices. Using photovoltaic cells to capture both artificial and natural light sources it is exposed to while using a blink-activated battery, this smart lens can harness the wearer’s natural tears as a biofuel. Interestingly, the electrolytes within the tears serve as the biofuel to generate the power.

Erfan Pourshaban

Power harvesting does not occur when the eye is open; however, once the eye blinks, the electrolytes within the tear contact the magnesium anode, triggering an oxidation reaction and the creation of electrons. These same electrolytes contact both an anode and the platinum cathode, fostering the creation of even more energy and further oxidation on the surface of the anode and oxygen reduction on the surface of the cathode. (Read more here.)

My Two Cents

Biosensor experts call this system “an exciting development in the realm of smart contact lenses,” and I agree! They say the development of smart contact lenses has been held back because “the key hurdle for these devices is their need for a sustainable power source.”

What an ingenious concept—using tears, electrolytes, light sources, and the mechanical action of the blink itself to power the lens. This is further proof that this is such an exciting time for contact lenses!

OUTSIDE THE LANE

Eclipse Ignorance

As most of us are aware, there will be a total solar eclipse over the contiguous United States today. (The next one will occur on August 23, 2044.) Not surprisingly, there is a lot of excitement over the historic event, with areas of the country expecting a huge influx of tourists to witness it. An estimated 32 million Americans live in the direct path of the solar eclipse, termed “the path of totality.”

According to a recent survey of 1,006 people conducted by Ohio State University’s Wexner Medical Center, nearly one-third of respondents didn’t know that viewing a solar eclipse without proper eye protection can cause permanent damage. In fact, it was thought that wearing regular sunglasses and simply briefly looking at the sun was the only “protection” necessary.

In reality, it is recommended that when viewing the celestial event, specialized eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard are worn. This solar-filtered lens neutralizes the sunlight so it’s not of a damaging intensity.

My Two Cents

This is a big, big deal. Our clinic recently purchased hundreds of eclipse glasses, which have been a viral giveaway for our patients. This newsletter should reach you merely hours before the eclipse, and it’s a timely reminder to educate your patients in person and via social media on the dangers of viewing the eclipse without proper protection. Feel free to share the image below with your patients to show the permanent damage that can occur with only a “quick” view of the eclipse. This b-scan is from one of my healthy 35-year-old patients who viewed the last eclipse “for only a second” and ended up with permanent central vision loss as a result.

I would also be remiss if I didn’t highlight the wonderful work of The Ohio State University for providing us with this insightful study. Speaking of thirds and threes, the school, notably its football team, is all too familiar with the number three, as it is the number of times they have consecutively lost to the reigning national champion University of Michigan Wolverines.

CAN YOU RELATE

We need to continue to discuss the solar eclipse, which begins at 1:27 pm CDT in Texas and ends at 3:35 pm EDT in Maine. All eyes will be on the sky, and all news will likely be about the eclipse. It’s our time as members of the eye care community to show our expertise. Take a few minutes after reading this newsletter to create a social media post emphasizing the importance of safely viewing the eclipse. Consider doing a livestream—perhaps a “solar eclipse do’s and don’ts.” Remind your patients that only eclipse glasses that comply with the ISO 12312-2 international standard should be trusted. Use the image above compared with a normal macular OCT and show your followers the type of damage that can occur if the eclipse is viewed improperly.

Many of the best companies use current events to boost their brand and increase engagement, and many successfully use these events to “go viral.” If you need ideas, visit the Instagram account of Bobby Saenz, OD, MS, FAAO, out of San Antonio, Texas (@bobbysaenz). Not only is he brilliant, but he’s also clever!