• Google has applied for a patent to fit a camera into a contact lens. According to the application, inserting the camera into the lens will not dramatically increase the thickness of the lens. The addition of cameras will allow the lenses to process images and collect a variety of data, such as motion, colors, face, etc. Additionally, the contact lenses may include sensors that would be used to track blinking, which could be used to control or trigger devices remotely via blinks.

• Johnson & Johnson announced that the company is now accepting research proposals related to meibography and tear film stability with contact lens wear. Specifically, J&J is looking for research proposals in the areas of correlating clinical findings to meibomian gland image analysis and tear film stability, and categorizing the magnitude of meibomian gland changes to contact lens type or length of wear. To inquire about proposal submission, contact the Clinical Research Administrator at [email protected].

• Smoking tobacco has a negative impact on the healing process of corneal insults. In a study published in the May 2014 Cornea, researchers reviewed the charts of 87 patients with corneal abrasions and 52 patients with keratitis between 1990 and 2010. The study demonstrated that epithelial healing is delayed 1.1 days on average in smokers vs. non-smokers, and 23.9 days on average in smokers with keratitis. Additionally, neurotrophic corneas and fungal infections also exhibited a prolonged healing period in smokers.

Jetton JA, et al. Effects of tobacco smoking on human corneal wound healing. Cornea. 2014 May;33(5):453-6.