Contact lenses that change focal length with a wink

The UC San Diego research team developed a contact lens prototype that can change the focal length in a blink of an eye and published a related research paper in the journal AFM (Advanced Functional Materials).

This time, we developed a biomimetic lens that mimics the movement of the human eye. It is a stretchable polymer film. It uses the potential signal generated when the eye moves, and the thickness changes and the focal length changes according to two winks.

Similarly, a research team at Stanford University has also developed autofocals, glasses that can adjust the focal length. This is a more mechanical structure using eye tracking. However, since the focus position changes according to the line of sight, active manipulation is not necessary from the perspective of the wearer.

The basic principle of changing the lens thickness is the same, but the contact lens developed by the UC San Diego research team has the advantage of being compact. It is also possible to make it work like a telephoto lens depending on the adjustment. However, it seems that the prototype still needs more improvement, such as the need to place electrodes around the eyes.

It is likely that more than a few years will be required for practical use, but the research team expects that this technology can be used in glasses and remote control robots in the future. Related information can be found here .