Contact lens discomfort (CLD) is a common problem, with up to half of contact lens wearers experiencing CLD with some frequency or magnitude. Studies have reported that between 12% and 51% of lens wearers “drop out” of contact lens wear, with CLD being the primary reason for discontinuation. Despite ongoing advancements, current coating methods such as soaking, dip-coating, and spraying—often result in uneven coverage, high material waste, and poor compatibility with sensitive compounds. These limitations hinder the development of lenses with integrated therapeutic or sensing functions.
To address these challenges, researchers at Johnson & Johnson Vision Care Inc and The George Washington University have developed a microfluidic coating platform that enables controlled, reproducible deposition of active materials directly onto the curved surfaces of contact lenses—unlocking new possibilities for therapeutic and smart lens applications.
This platform utilizes soft-lithography-fabricated micro-channels precisely designed to match lens geometry, allowing therapeutic agents or polymers to flow in a laminar and confined manner across the lens surface in a closed, sterile environment. This ensures a uniform coating that significantly reduces material waste, while preserving the activity of temperature- and shear-sensitive compounds. The technology is compatible with various lens materials, including silicone hydrogel, and supports precise spatial patterning—such as concentric drug zones or multilayer coatings — making it suitable for advanced therapeutic and diagnostic applications.
Advantages
Applications