Transforming contact lenses into therapeutic and diagnostic devices: A comprehensive review

Recent changes in material sciences, optical engineering, and biomedical technology have greatly transformed contact lens design and clinical utility. Modern contact lenses are no longer limited to refractive correction only but have evolved into multidirectional devices that enhance ocular health, comfort, and therapeutic efficiency. The introduction of hydrogel silicone materials has greatly improved oxygen permeability, thus reducing hypoxia-related complications and enabling extended wear. In parallel, scleral lenses have expanded clinical applications, particularly in the management of irregular corneas and ocular surface disorders by providing both optimal correction and continuous hydration. Emerging technologies such as drug-eluting lenses and smart contact lenses offer innovative solutions for sustained drug delivery and real-time physiological monitoring. These developments correctly position contact lenses as advanced biomedical platforms with increasing relevance in modern medicine. This review critically examines recent advances in contact materials design innovations and technological integration, along with their clinical implications and future potential.