Tiny, thin prescription lenses that could be inserted right in the eye and eliminate traditional eye wear? It was incredible at the time. Over the next 40 years, contacts would see significant improvements in the make, shape, and feel, but the original developers of contacts probably never foresaw the newest lens technology.
Now, thanks to recent developments, contact lenses are not only the most comfortable form of eye wear on the market, but they will soon be equipped with incredible capabilities, from zooming in and out, to aiding diabetics in their daily health monitoring. With all of the benefits slated for the future of eyewear, even those with 20/20 vision will be considering getting a pair. Here are some of the latest developments in contact lens technology.
Health Monitoring Lenses
Scientists have been working over the last several years to develop contact lenses that could actually save lives. Using microscopic technology similar to what you would find in a “smart” diabetic kit, researchers have discovered a way to monitor the glucose levels of diabetic patients.
The eye is one of the best places to monitor glucose, since the levels in tear fluid are extremely similar to the levels found in blood. The electronics within the tiny device will send data wirelessly to a portable device, allowing patients to closely monitor their levels without having to prick themselves multiple times a day.
This technology has been under construction for the past ten years, and unfortunately, it’s still not on the market, though they are getting closer all the time.
Reduced Halo Effect
Contact lenses are excellent for eliminating the need for bulky glasses, but it’s not without its side effects, particularly for those with presbyopia. Presbyopia is a condition that occurs in millions of Americans as a result of natural aging. In essence, it’s a thickening of the eye’s natural lens, which leads to difficulty reading and causes contact wearers to see an obtrusive, bright halo around any lights in a dark surrounding. It makes it very difficult to perform simple tasks like driving and seeing at night.
In recent news, scientists have begun developing a type of contact lens that will eliminate or significantly reduce the halo effect for those with this condition. The new and improved lens will essentially offer the same treatment as is given for those recovering from cataract surgery. It’s still in prototype phase, but clinical trials have been promising thus far.
Zoom In and Out
The only concept that describes this new technology is science fiction. With telescopic properties, a new version of contact lenses is in development to allow the wearer to zoom in and out with a wink of an eye. If users want to zoom in, they’ll wink their right eye, and to zoom out, they’ll wink their left.
The concept of this incredible technology was first started as an effort to develop a visual aid for those who experience macular degeneration. If this technology hits the market, those who have begun to lose their eyesight will be able to restore different levels of vision according to what they want to see.
This inspiring innovation is currently in the research phase, but based on successful use of similar technology in aerial drones, scientists are optimistic that the concept will not only work, but change lives in the process.
Built-In Camera
If this idea reminds you of a smaller, more advanced version of Google Glass, you’re not far off. Google has been working to develop a type of contact lens similar to Glass that can record photo and video as well as help the visually impaired see.
Google’s contact lenses will include a microscopic camera and sensor in an embedded circuit. The control unit will be activated wirelessly via a sensor of the user’s choice, whether a light, temperature, or pressure sensor.
It may seem a little strange, but if you think about it practically, it makes sense. Unlike Google Glass that has a camera on the side of the frame, the camera lense is embedded right in the contact, which means that the wearer can take clear and unobstructed photo and video just by looking at what they want to capture.
The lense is still in research and development stage with no current concrete plans to hit the market as of now.
