E-Vision of Virginia has developed electronic spectacles whose prescriptions
can be changed, doing away with the need to invest in new lenses (W0 01/02897).
The lenses are coated with a thin, transparent film of indium tin oxide and
filled with liquid crystals. Apply a small voltage to the film and the
refractive index of the liquid crystals changes, altering the prescription.
Power comes from a thin-film battery stuck to the arms of the frames, alongside
a tiny processor and a memory which stores the wearer鈥檚 prescription settings.
If you want to order specs online, you can e-mail your prescription to an
Internet optician.
More from New Scientist
Explore the latest news, articles and features
Technology
Test moderators use AI-generated writing to judge literacy standards
News
Technology
We should decide how AI shapes the future, not tech firms
Comment
Technology
Quantum voting could make elections more secure
News
Technology
DeepMind AI gives an extra day of warning ahead of deadly cyclones
News
Popular articles
Trending New Scientist articles