A start-up designs glasses that are suitable for almost all vision problems

Engineers have just developed glasses that focus on themselves based on where you look and that constantly adapt to changes in your vision. But they do not replace the classic models yet.

Is there anything for ophthalmologists to worry about? Now there are universal glasses that work like autofocus cameras. That is to say, they will focus on themselves depending on where you look. To do this, they have a small sensor in the front (between the two eyes), which will measure the distance between your head and what you are looking at. The glasses will then automatically adjust the focal length of the lens. So, even if your eyesight changes, there will be no need to change your glasses, they will constantly adapt.

This is a principle we have been working on for years. But until now, he needed to wear a bulky helmet with two large camera lenses. But engineers at Japanese start-up Vixion have managed to miniaturize the system into a “socially acceptable” format. These glasses look like a thin headband that covers both eyes. Bit like the superhero Cyclops from X-Men Or Geordie La Forge From Star Trek. So quite the futuristic look.

Please note, this technique does not correct all vision problems. If you have an eye disease macular degeneration (AMD) or glaucoma, it won’t work. But if focusing is a problem, because you’re presbyopic, myopic, astigmatic, or a combination of the three, the system works. You just have to start by adjusting the glasses to your vision with a small dial. This allows the correction to be adjusted like an ophthalmologist.

High cost and low field of vision

There is also a major drawback. As the image is fixed by two smaller lenses, the field of vision is greatly reduced. As with binoculars, we will have no peripheral vision. So impossible, for example, to drive with it. This device cannot yet replace traditional glasses. Ophthalmologists are still needed, but these types of glasses are the first to come out of laboratories. It should be marketed in spring. As with any new technology, it will be very expensive, around 600 euros. Let’s hope that the price will come down and most of all, we will one day, manage to expand their field of vision.