Google to develop its "smart" contact lens to help diabetics monitor their glucose levels.

Google's prototype lens was first revealed in January.

It is designed to measure the level of glucose in the wearer's tears and communicate the information to a mobile phone or computer.

Wearable technology is seen as a key growth sector, with several companies targeting healthcare applications.

The lens uses a tiny wireless chip and miniaturised glucose sensors embedded between two layers of soft contact lens material.

Google said the chips and sensors are "so small they look like bits of glitter, and an antenna thinner than a human hair". It said the prototype could "generate a reading once per second".

The technology had "the potential to transform eye care", Novartis said in a statement.

"This is a key step for us to go beyond the confines of traditional disease management, starting with the eye," said the company's chief executive Joe Jimenez.

Sergey Brin, co-founder of Google said: "Our dream is to use the latest technology in the miniaturisation of electronics to help improve the quality of life for millions of people."