ST announces wireless sensor for eye pressure monitor

STMicroelectronics announced that it is to develop and supply a wireless mems sensor that acts as a transducer, antenna and mechanical support for additional read out electronics in a platform developed by Swiss company Sensimed. According to ST, this solution could enable better management of glaucoma patients via earlier diagnosis and treatment that is optimally tailored to the individual patient. The Sensimed Triggerfish is based on a 'smart' contact lens that uses a tiny embedded strain gauge to monitor the curvature of the eye over a period of, typically, 24 hours. This provides disease management data not currently obtainable using conventional ophthalmic equipment. Sensimed's system comprises the smart contact lens and a small receiver worn around the patient's neck. In addition to the strain gauge, the lens contains an antenna, a tiny dedicated processing circuit and an rf transmitter to communicate the measurements to the receiver. The lens is powered via the received radio waves and does not need to be connected to a battery. The embedded components are positioned in the lens in such a way that they do not interfere with the patient's vision. The lens is fitted by the ophthalmologist and when the patient returns the next day the ophthalmologist removes the lens and receiver, obtaining a complete record of IOP changes over the preceding 24 hours. Jean-Marc Wismer, ceo of Sensimed, said: "Application trials are confirming the significant benefits that our unique platform can provide and the next step is to commercialise the product to a larger number of centres in selected geographies." The Triggerfish is currently running numerous application trials but ST engineers are now working with Sensimed to translate the technology into a reliable commercial mems product ready for mass production. ST expects the development of the sensor to be completed in Q2 2010 and manufacturing to start in Q3 2010, with availability outside trials to doctors and patients subject to regulatory approvals.