Google, Novartis partner to make smart contact lens

Google has joined hands with pharmaceutical giant Novartis International AG to create smart contact lens that will not only correct farsightedness, but also measure glucose levels of diabetic patients. As per the deal, Novartis is licensing technology behind Google's smart contact lens. The search giant will be working with Alcon, Novartis' eye-care division.

The companies however refrained from disclosing financial details.

"We aim to unlock a new frontier to jointly address the unmet medical needs of millions of eye care patients around the world," Jeff George, division head of Alcon said in a statement.

These lenses will come embedded with tiny sensors and microchips that would gauge a diabetic patients' tear fluids to define their sugar levels. The data will thereafter be transmitted to a smartphone wirelessly. According to Novartis, this technology can have other medical applications as well.

Google has filed for a patent that describes tiny cameras capable of fitting within the contact lens. These cameras would allow users extended eyesight by allowing them to zoom in on a distant object.

"This is a key step for us to go beyond the confines of traditional disease management, starting with the eye," said Novartis CEO Joseph Jimenez.