A wireless contact lens that integrates OLED technology into ophthalmic diagnostics could transform the way in which ocular health is monitored, benefiting both patients and practitioners. The lens is the result of a collaboration among the Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST), the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute (ETRI), and the Seoul National University Bundang Hospital. To create the wearable light source, the team led by professor Seunghyup Yoo designed a configuration and process flow that integrated an ultrathin OLED, an antenna, and a controller chip for wireless power reception with a contact lens. Using a 433 megahertz (MHz) resonant frequency for power transmission, the researchers implemented a robust wireless power system for the lens. They embedded a wireless microcontroller into a sleep mask to optimize the lens and allow it to be synchronized with a smartphone. Wireless OLED contact lenses for used as on-eye wearable light sources could help eliminate patient discomfort during retinal examinations and be used in personalized healthcare monitoring. Courtesy of KAIST. The team demonstrated the efficacy of the OLED contact lens as a robust lighting solution for electroretinography (ERG) examinations in clinical settings. It showed that the wearable light source could generate an ERG signal comparable to that of conventional, full-field light stimulation, and that the OLED lens system could be used for ERG measurement with minimal signal interference. In an in vivo animal experiment, the researchers observed that the animal’s eye temperature remained well within safe limits while it was wearing the lens, mitigating the risk of corneal heat damage from the OLED. The researchers also found that the lens continued to maintain a robust optical performance during exposure to humid environments — an indicator of its potential for practical use in real-world settings. In earlier lens designs, the light diffusion provided by inorganic LEDs was often inadequate, leading to excessive heat buildup. OLEDs offer a superior solution to LEDs due to their ability to emit light more uniformly across the surface area of the lens. This feature helps reduce heat generation and ensures retinal responses can be achieved even under low-light conditions. During the study, the researchers observed retinal response results at a luminance level considerably lower than that of standard devices, further demonstrating the viability of the OLED technology as a diagnostic tool. The 12.5-μm-thick OLED contact lens is designed to optimize both comfort and function. It is engineered to be an effective, yet unobtrusive, device that will allow patients to engage actively during retinal diagnoses. Unlike conventional ERG, which requires a darkened space and restricts patient mobility for prolonged periods, the OLED contact lens allows patients to rest comfortably, even with their eyes closed, while they undergo retinal evaluations. In addition to ensuring efficiency and patient comfort during retinal exams, the ultrathin OLED contact lens could be a valuable tool for personalized healthcare monitoring. By combining wearable technology and healthcare, the OLED contact lens could help shape the future of ocular care. Further integration of smart contact lens technology into ocular diagnostics and therapies could expand the scope of digital healthcare applications. As digital healthcare technology evolves, the adaptability and functionality of the OLED contact lens could give it an important role in many future ocular innovations. An interdisciplinary approach to OLED lens development could lead to solutions for myopia and other ocular issues. The fields of augmented reality and light-based neurostimulation could also benefit from the new OLED lens technology. The research was published in ACS Nano (www.doi.org/10.1021/acsnano.4c18563).