Scientists have created watchful contact lenses
Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed a revolutionary technology: infrared contact lenses that enable people to see in the dark and, surprisingly, even with their eyes closed.
The lenses, a result of a study published in the journal "Cell", are created by combining flexible polymers commonly found in traditional contact lenses with nanoparticles. This unique combination allows the wearer to perceive infrared light, which is usually beyond the visible spectrum for humans.
Unlike traditional night-vision goggles, these lenses do not require a power source. The nanoparticles in the lenses absorb near-infrared light (wavelengths between 800–1600 nm) and convert it into visible wavelengths that the human eye can detect.
The groundbreaking technology was first tested on mice, which preferred dark boxes over those illuminated by infrared light. Humans were then given the lenses and were able to perceive flickering infrared light and discern its direction. Remarkably, this infrared vision was enhanced when the participants closed their eyes.
Tian Xue, a neuroscientist at the University of Science and Technology of China and the study's senior author, explained that the increased perception took place because near-infrared light penetrates the eyelid more effectively than visible light, reducing interference.
The researchers noted that the technology has real-world applications, such as enhancing vision in poor visibility conditions like fog or dust, and integrating into smart devices for rescue and emergency situations. The lenses could potentially be used for information encoding and transmission, particularly in security, encryption, and anti-counterfeiting settings. For individuals with color vision deficiencies, the technology could convert certain wavelengths into colors they can distinguish, making the "invisible" visible for them.
As with any new technology, there are limitations to consider. The lenses require the presence of infrared light in the environment to function, which may not be available in pitch-black rooms. Furthermore, the resulting images may lack the resolution and detail of natural vision or traditional night vision goggles. Additionally, there may be visual interference when both infrared and visible light are present, and long-term safety concerns regarding the nanoparticles within the lenses must be addressed.
Despite these limitations, the infrared contact lenses represent a significant advance in wearable vision technology, with wide-ranging potential applications. Their practical utility will depend on overcoming current technical and safety limitations.
- The integration of these innovative infrared contact lenses into the realm of health-and-wellness and fitness-and-exercise could potentially aid athletes during low-light workouts, as they provide vision in the dark even with eyes closed.
- In the future, these lenses could be an intriguing addition to the collection of gadgets and smartphones, enhancing their functionalities in technology, such as facilitating information encoding and transmission in security, encryption, and anti-counterfeiting settings.
- For individuals facing challenges with color vision deficiencies, this technology has the potential to make the "invisible" visible, aligning with the broader goals of science in creating equitable access to the world's wonders.
