Nanotechnology came to improve not only the elements of lens manufacturing, but to make real technological miracles in ophthalmic conditions.

For those who are not very familiar with nanotechnology, it is the creation and use of materials and components at the same scale as intracellular molecules or structures. To make a crude comparison, a nanometer is the amount of hair that a man grows in his beard during the time when he takes his razor towards his face.

The word "nano" is derived from the Greek prefix meaning "very small, minute" and today we have a strong tendency to nanoscience and nanotechnology motivated mainly due to that it moves at smaller and smaller scales and the ability to measure and manipulate individual structures at the nanoscale (scanning probe techniques, optical tweezers, high resolution electronic microscopes, etc).

There are many potential applications for healthcare through nanotechnology, such as the repair of cells by manipulating molecules, removing plates and other changes linked to cardiovascular diseases, repair of bone and neural tissue , gene therapy, cell assistance to repair damaged tissue, using nanocomposite contact lenses to monitor blood glucose, and using nano-devices and lasers for a highly focused surgery, among others.

For ophthalmic science this technology also represents new opportunities because the eye is particularly suitable as a target for nanotechnology. It is a small organ, easily accessible because of its exposed position. Nanomaterials have an area of ​​high surface to volume ratio. This attribute may be beneficial in the reduction or elimination of reactive species, which are established as a cause of cataracts and other eye diseases.

We are sure that in the future, the application of this technology will be used to treat other eye diseases associated with oxidative damage, such as macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy.

Kahn J. Nano’s big future. National Geographic. 2006 Junio :98-119; 3.
Zarbin MA, Montemagno C, Leary JF, Ritch R. Nanotechnology in ophthalmology.
Can J Ophthalmol. 2010 Oct;45(5):457-76.; Glassman G. Working with nanoshells.
NOVA science NOW. 2005 Abr. Dispoible ent: www.pbs.org/wgbh/nova/body/halas-nanoshell.html