Direct Laser Interference Patterning of Graphene in Contact Lenses

This study explores a cost‐effective method for creating nanostructures on contact lenses (CLs) as potential wearable sensors. Using direct laser interference patterning, commercially available CLs are coated with graphene ink and ablated with a neodymium‐doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser at 30 mJ pulse energy and various tilt angles. The process successfully produces graphene nanostructures on both flat and curved lens surfaces, resulting in a prominent holographic effect. Scanning electron microscopy is used to record groove profiles. Diffraction efficiencies are optimized by varying graphene coating time, achieving a maximum of 0.25%. Contact angle measurements indicate hydrophobicity in the range of 73° to 84.8°. Oxygen permeability, calculated from equilibrium water content measurements, is found to be favorable for corneal health. The Trypan blue assay demonstrates good biocompatibility of the graphene‐incorporated lenses. This novel approach offers a promising, commercially viable method for developing CLs that have potential applications as wearable sensors and in ocular diagnostics.