Manufacturing and Characterization of a Microfluidic Notched-Ring Contact Lens for Intraocular Pressure Monitoring Using a 2D to 3D Transformation Process

Manufacturing and Characterization of a Microfluidic Notched-Ring Contact Lens for Intraocular Pressure Monitoring Using a 2D to 3D Transformation Process Krstic, Aleksa Continuous intraocular pressure (IOP) monitoring is a revolutionary method for measuring intraocular pressure in the human eye. It is especially useful for diagnosing early-stage glaucoma and offers many benefits for monitoring the disease when compared to widely used invasive methods. IOP monitoring can be achieved with the use of microfluidic contact lenses which are deformable non-invasive wearable contact lenses that facilitate continuous IOP monitoring and data collection over the span of multiple hours. These devices show much promise for the future of self-administered Glaucoma detection and management in a cost-effective manner. This work presents three unique, low-cost microfluidic contact lenses based on a notched-ring design that can measure IOP. The primary design features a novel method for supporting the structural integrity of wide microfluidic channels using micropillars to support the upper channel ceiling. The manufacturing and fabrication of the presented designs acts as a proof-of-concept for a 2D to 3D transformation manufacturing process for microfluidic contact lenses using a notched-ring design, remedying multiple design challenges and flaws in the process. Further, this work provides a precise process for consistently manufacturing microfluidic IOP lenses with consistent thickness and feature resolution by utilizing a molding process and Polydimethylsiloxane polymer. Testing and validation of the proposed designs was accomplished using a pressurized membrane polymer “rubber eye” setup. Physical test results were paired with multiphysics simulation for further design verification and analysis. The main objectives of this work were accomplished. Three designs were found to display an increase in indicating fluid displacement with an increase in IOP. The 2D to 3D notched ring conversion method was found to be an effective method for consistent microfluidic contact lens sensor manufacturing, remedying previous design challenges and improving manufacturing consistency.