London (PTI): Scientists have planed to launch an eye sensor that could relieve the agony of millions of diabetics who have to undergo daily blood tests.

The tiny sensor -- smaller than a grain of rice -- implanted in the eye contains a special chemical that gives off a fluorescent light when it comes into contact with glucose. The procedure to implant the sensor inside the eye below the surface takes just three minutes, the Mail online said.

The report said the fluorescent light shines more powerfully when the blood glucose levels are high and can be easily picked up by a handheld device that converts the measurements into glucose readings.

Scientists hope the eye sensor, which is being pioneered by a German company called EyeSense, will relieve the agony of insulin-dependent diabetics who have to undergo blood tests four times a day to make sure their glucose levels are stable.

"The biggest advantage is the patient can measure glucose levels as often as he or she wants simply by placing the small photometer in front of the eye. It takes no longer than 20 seconds," EyeSense said in a statement.

However, doctors have warned that the "technology is at a very early stage" and needs to be further tested before it can be launched in the market, the report said.