Zoom lenses help people with visual impairments


    Variable Zoom Lenses

    Swiss scientists are working on contact lenses with controlled magnification. Their lens with a thickness of only 1.55 mm contains a design that works on the principle of a reflector telescope, which is activated by the movement of the eyelids. The lens enlargement ratio is 2.8.

    Lenses consist of plastic, aluminum, polarizing films and safety glue. Aluminum forms a set of micromirrors, which, reflecting the incoming light, increase the perceived image in the manner of binoculars. Also, due to the need for constant oxygen replenishment of the eye, special oxygen channels are provided in the lenses.

    To control the lenses, you need special “smart” glasses that respond to winks (but not to normal blinking). Winking with one eye turns on the increase, the other turns off. Glasses contain lenses with controlled variable polarization. In normal vision, the lenses transmit light passing through the polarizing film of the lenses so that it bypasses the magnifying mirrors. When switching to a magnifying mode, the polarization of the lenses of the glasses and the path of the light beam in the lenses change.


    Lens Operation Scheme

    The project is funded by DARPA. As often happens, the novelty was originally intended for military purposes, namely for use by soldiers. The device is still under development, but working prototypes have already been received. In the future, lenses can be used to combat various visual impairments, including age-related deterioration, macular degeneration . Modern telescopic glasses for people with such disabilities are rather cumbersome constructions, and successful research in this direction should greatly help people find the opportunity to navigate the surrounding world, read and work with great comfort.


    An example of modern telescopic glasses

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