Google recently announced a smart contact lens intended for diabetics to measure their glucose level. Using a wireless chip and glucose sensor to track the glucose in tears, these lenses save diabetics from having to prick themselves on a daily basis, which a truly revolutionary idea considering that even diabetics with advanced glucose monitoring devices still have to prick themselves multiple times every week.

Google’s latest project is innovative and desirable in that it provides diabetics with a convenience and the potential to save their lives. For the millions of people living with diabetes, having to constantly monitor glucose levels is a hassle because it interferes with their daily activities, including meals, exercise and sleep. Unfortunately, uncontrolled blood sugar levels result in dire complications and potentially fatal outcomes. Therefore, these lenses are a step toward saving lives, providing doctors with tracking information, and alerting diabetics when they are approaching dangerously high or low glucose levels.