Wink and you’ll be able to see things no other human can.
A group of Swiss researchers from EPFL developed a contact lens prototype that can zoom. The wink-controlled contact lenses lets users switch between normal and 2.8x magnification.
The purpose of the contact lens is to improve the vision of those who have age-related macular degeneration, a condition that could lead to vision loss.
“We think these lenses hold a lot of promise for low vision and age-related macular degeneration,” said Eric Tremblay, EPFL optics specialist, said in a press release. “It’s very important and hard to strike a balance between function and the social costs of wearing any kind of bulky visual device. There is a strong need for something more integrated, and a contact lens is an attractive direction.”
Tremblay, who is behind the creation of the prototype, said his team is still at the research phase but he hopes that it can soon become a real option for people with vision problems.
The design of the prototype consists of a regular pair of contact lenses with tiny telescopes attached to them. Even with the telescopic technology attached to them, the contacts are only 1.55 millimeters thick.
Anyone wearing these contacts would be able to focus on the faces of passing strangers, distant words and even oncoming traffic. Users would also be able to switch back and forth between their normal and enhanced vision as they please.
“Having the ability to switch on demand is attractive,” Tremblay told CNN. “When magnified you lose a lot of your field of view, your peripheral vision.”
Tremblay said that his team didn’t want to create a contact lens with a fixed prescription, so they made the zoom wink-activated.
The contacts have only been tested on a few people, but the EPFL team hopes to perfect the product until someone can wear it daily without discomfort. The most recent prototype was released in February and allowed oxygen to pass through the lens, which would allow for daily use.
These are not the first contact lens prototypes that promise enhanced eyesight. Google and Swiss drugmaker Novartis, announced last year their plans to develop smart contact lenses that would help diabetics track their blood glucose levels and restore the ability to focus.
Twitter:@MrAlexAlba
