Autofocus Glasses Could Replace Bifocals

Smart eyewear with autofocus lenses could eliminate the need for bifocals. For many far-sighted individuals, glasses involve ongoing compromises when trying to see clearly. However, new eyewear aims to improve this situation.

IXI, a Finnish startup, is developing frames featuring adaptive optics. These glasses employ sensors to monitor what the wearer is looking at and then use liquid crystal lenses to adjust the view accordingly. This allows the wearer to switch focus quickly. IXI aims to make the glasses look and feel like regular glasses by incorporating tiny electronics into the frames. While they may not completely replace glasses, they won't require bulky headsets.

Bifocal Limitations

Bifocals are a common solution for far-sightedness, dividing the lens into zones for distant and near objects. Reading requires looking through the near-detail zone, which can involve a learning curve, unnatural head movements, and restricted viewing angles. Progressive lenses offer a smoother transition but still have focal sweet spots, limiting where you can look within the frame. IXI intends to address this issue.

How Autofocus Glasses Work

The design incorporates eye-tracking sensors and a lens system that shifts rapidly. The sensors track eye movements by emitting light pulses to measure the distance to the viewed object. This data is used to adjust the liquid crystal lenses, changing their curvature for optimal focus. IXI states that the lenses adjust in 0.2 seconds, which should be imperceptible since the human eye focuses in approximately 0.4 seconds. This is especially beneficial for older individuals whose eyes focus more slowly due to decreased lens flexibility, a condition known as presbyopia, which causes long-sightedness.

Challenges and Competition

While the concept of optical tech has been explored in research, IXI is working to miniaturize it for daily use. The startup has received around $36 million in funding to advance development. Laclarée and Elcyo are also developing similar solutions. However, none of the companies have released a commercial product, likely due to existing obstacles. Achieving prescription-grade optics requires meeting strict medical regulations. Durability is also a concern due to moving parts, as is incorporating batteries while maintaining a lightweight and comfortable design.

The potential is significant: a single pair of adaptive glasses that could replace reading glasses, distance lenses, and bifocals, representing a step toward intelligent eyewear. If IXI succeeds, it could eliminate the need to peer over the rims of glasses.