Scientists from the University of California, San Diego, have created a robotic soft contact lens that lets you zoom in by blinking twice.
The lens mimics the natural electric signals in the human eyeball that are active even when the eye itself is closed. Researchers measured the electrical potential of the eye – called the “electro-oculographic signal” – made lenses that would respond to that activity.
The lens is made from polymers that expand when electric current is applied. It’s controlled using five electrodes surrounding the eye that act like human muscles. A person blinking twice in succession causes the lens to change its focal length, allowing it to zoom in and out just like users do on their phones. Because the lenses depend on electrical signals, they should function even if a person is blind. This will prove useful in creating visual prostheses.
A lead researcher said: “Even if your eye cannot see anything, many people still can move their eyeball and generate this electro-oculographic signal.”
In the future, this lens can also be used for adjustable glasses and remotely-operated robotics.
Picture Credit : Google