Researchers have developed new technology to enhance vision in a variety of situations.
Review four of the latest high-tech advancements.
- Telescopic contact lens – Researchers in Switzerland are creating a contact lens containing tiny telescopes that zoom in and out just by winking. The lens is worn in conjunction with special smart glasses that recognize eye winks and control the telescope, which can magnify objects up to 3 times normal vision.
Eye experts applaud this new technology for the vision enhancement it will offer people with low vision and age-related macular degeneration. Researchers are refining the design to allow sufficient air into the eye so the lenses can be worn comfortably for an extended period. - Correcting cataract problems in younger Americans – For years, cataracts have been considered a vision problem that affects mainly older people. Surgery to remove the cataract is considered the most effective treatment.
Now vision professionals report that increasing numbers of younger people are developing the condition. Experts believe contributing factors include smoking, alcohol consumption, and unprotected exposure to ultraviolet sunrays, medications and deficiencies in Vitamins C and E, and carotenoids. While most people have cataracts removed when they’re older, now younger people are having the surgery performed so they can enjoy a lifetime of clear vision. - High-definition eyeglasses – If you wear prescription glasses, but still struggle to see clearly, you may want to check into high-definition (HD) lenses. Vision experts report that some people have aberrations or abnormalities in their eyes that affect vision. According to All About Vision, these aberrations can create vision errors, such as halos, blurring, starburst pattern, glare or difficulty while driving at night. HD lenses assist in sharpening vision in all lighting situations.
- Eye scan for smartphone security – For many people, smartphones have become an extension of their office or personal computer. People store personal and financial records, contact lists, calendars and lists of activities on their phones, and they don’t want the privacy of the information compromised.
According to Consumer Reports, more than 3.1 million smartphones were stolen in 2013 across the U.S. Many owners install security apps with hopes of protecting their personal records, but the software can be hacked.
Recently ZTE introduced a new smartphone that uses retina scanning technology to unlock the phone and access files. The system scans the vein patterns in the eye and unlocks only if there is a match. Currently the phone is sold only in Asia, but it should be available in other countries later this year. And researchers are designing similar technology that can be used on other smartphone systems.
Many Americans experience vision problems. See more on the top six vision health issues.
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