South Korean Researchers Unveil Depression Treatment Contact Lens

South Korean researchers have developed a contact lens designed to treat depression by delivering specially tuned electrical currents directly to the retina. Unlike traditional approaches focused on medication or nerve cell stimulation, this innovation uses high-frequency currents that meet inside the eye and transform into low-frequency currents at the retina. These currents then stimulate the optic nerve network, targeting the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex—areas involved in depression therapy. The electrical signals are claimed to be safe, non-painful, and only stimulate the retina. In animal experiments, treated mice showed reduced inflammation and behavioral patterns similar to normal mice, as verified by machine learning analysis. Researchers plan to initiate clinical trials within three years, according to Kim Zoyong of Arirang News.