UW Medicine surgeon-engineer helps build eye sensor to track chronic disease in tears

Tiny wireless biosensor could revolutionize continuous health monitoring through tear fluid analysis

Mar. 27, 2026 at 6:04am

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Researchers at UW Medicine, in collaboration with Northwestern University and MIT, have developed a microscopic wireless biosensor designed to reside within the tear duct and continuously monitor tear fluid for biomarkers related to conditions like inflammation and diabetes. The sensor, roughly the size of a grain of rice, aims to provide a non-invasive, real-time health monitoring system by analyzing substances in tears similar to those found in blood.

Why it matters

This innovative technology has the potential to revolutionize health monitoring by offering a convenient, continuous, and minimally invasive alternative to traditional blood tests. By tracking key biomarkers in tears, the sensor could enable earlier detection and better management of chronic conditions like dry eye disease and diabetes.

The details

The sensor is designed to operate for at least six months, wirelessly transmitting data on inflammation (measured by the molecule IL-6) and glucose levels. Researchers are exploring ways to power the device using energy harvested directly from the body, eliminating the need for batteries. The sensor's design builds upon existing tear-duct plugs used to treat dry eyes, ensuring biocompatibility and minimizing the need for invasive procedures.

  • The project is currently in the proof-of-concept phase.
  • It will likely take several years of further research and clinical trials before the technology becomes widely available to the public.

The players

Dr. Tueng Shen

A UW Medicine eye surgeon and bioengineer who is leading the development of the tear duct sensor.

ARPA-H

The Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, which is funding the development of the tear duct sensor.

Northwestern University

A partner institution handling the 3D-printing of the sensor.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)

A partner institution collaborating on the development of the tear duct sensor.

Kren Engineering-based Medicine Initiative (KEMi)

A UW Medicine initiative that aims to integrate engineering and medicine more closely, and is supporting the tear duct sensor project.

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What they’re saying

“We tear all the time, not just when we cry, and our tears are actually very similar to blood.”

— Dr. Tueng Shen, UW Medicine eye surgeon and bioengineer

“We could sample the tear components minute by minute, pretty much continuously.”

— Dr. Tueng Shen, UW Medicine eye surgeon and bioengineer

“It pushes our engineering limits, but I'm excited since if You can do this in a space as tiny as a tear duct, we can apply the same technology in a much bigger space like the skin or the intestine.”

— Dr. Tueng Shen, UW Medicine eye surgeon and bioengineer

What’s next

The project is currently in the proof-of-concept phase, and it will likely take several years of further research and clinical trials before the technology becomes widely available to the public.

The takeaway

This innovative tear duct sensor has the potential to revolutionize health monitoring by providing a convenient, continuous, and minimally invasive way to track key biomarkers related to chronic conditions. If successful, it could lead to earlier detection and better management of diseases, ultimately improving patient outcomes.