Google has announced this morning it has struck a deal with Swiss pharmaceutical firm, Novartis. The firms are planning on creating "smart" contact lenses that would help diabetics track their blood glucose levels. With over 358 million diabetics worldwide, the market for blood sugar testing is expected to be worth $12 billion by 2017, according to research firm GlobalData.

Helping diabetic patients manage their disease by providing a continuous, minimally invasive measurement of the body’s glucose levels via a “smart contact lens” which is designed to measure tear fluid in the eye and connects wirelessly with a mobile device

Such potential profit could lead to further technological innovations. In this morning's press release, the companies are also announcing their aim to restore the eye's ability to focus - such as for those that need glasses in order to read. Who knows what will come next, though it is easy to imagine a next-gen Google Glass type technology that is as non-invasive as a contact lens.

“Our dream is to use the latest technology in the miniaturization of electronics to help improve the quality of life for millions of people,” said Sergey Brin, Co-Founder, Google. “We are very excited to work with Novartis to make this dream come true."

http://multimediacapsule.thomsonone.com/novartis/foresight-announcement