A scratched contact lens might not have to go in the bin much longer.

Researchers in South Korea have created a prototype contact lens that can repair small scratches when exposed to sunlight, according to a study published in ACS Applied Polymer Materials.

The lens uses a UV light-activated hydrogel and repaired scratches in under an hour. Researchers Jung-Hyun Choi and Byung-Ki Cho developed the prototype by using a widely employed hydrogel and redesigning its polymer structure.

The repair process relies on disulfide exchange. UV light at a wavelength of 365 nanometres causes sulfur bonds in the gel to temporarily break apart and reconnect with neighbouring atoms.

Before-and-after images released with the study showed the new connections repaired a scar on the surface of the lens.

Choi and Cho said the lenses could eventually be repaired at home using UV light from devices used to cure nail polish or indoor grow lamps for houseplants.

The researchers also added a polymer layer on top of the hydrogel that resists bacterial build-up and abrasion, including after repeated contact with sandpaper.

The lens retained moisture better than commercially available contact lenses, and repaired scratches had a 2 percent perceptibility score. The study said that suggested multiple scratches could be repaired and tolerated before replacement was needed because of transparency issues.

The authors said more testing is needed for South Korean regulatory approval before the product can move to market testing.

The study was funded in part by the National Research Foundation of RoK and published in ACS Applied Polymer Materials.

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