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Bionic contact lenses could allow users to read emails

Scientists envision that computer contact lenses currently under development could eventually be used to view images, read emails and even watch films.

COMPUTERISED CONTACT LENSES currently being developed could allow users to view messages and images without having to turn on a computer or glance at a smart phone.

The lenses work by projecting visual information into a person’s field of vision. Although the visuals being used are rudimentary at the moment, researchers envision that they could eventually include complex information such as emails and websites – and even films, games and directions.

It is also hoped that wearers could use the contacts to enlarge points in the distance which the naked eye would be unable to see.

Researchers at Washington University have reported good progress on the ‘bionic contacts’, having completed a round of animal trials that produced no reported ill side-effects, the Daily Mail reports.

Some practical problems have been noted – for example the prototype works only when a subject is no more than a few centimetres from a power source, so a way of charging the lenses would need to be developed.

The BBC reports that another team is working on similar technology, although for medical reasons: Swiss company Sensimed had produced a lens which uses computer technology to monitor the eyes of glaucoma sufferers.

The results of the study have been published in the Journal of Micromechanics and Microengineering.

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5 Comments
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Ronan Lyons
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    Nov 22nd 2011, 11:37 AM

    Very exciting. Might be easier to start with augmented reality glasses, which would make the whole issue of how to power these less complicated.

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    Mute John Madden
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    Nov 22nd 2011, 11:59 AM

    Really? The potential for augmented reality and the many, many applications thereof that lies within these emails and the best The Journal, the BBC and the Daily Mail can come up with is “someday we’ll be able to read emails with our eyes closed.” I realise two out of three of you are news organisations (the other being an outlet to complain about what celebrities are wearing, apparently), but show a little imagination now and then, please!

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    Mute Cecily J. Hoare
    Favourite Cecily J. Hoare
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    Nov 22nd 2011, 3:00 PM

    Great. So peopel will be able to read emails while driving, cycling etc. Just what we need!

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    Mute John Mack
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    Nov 22nd 2011, 3:11 PM

    but we do that already, hands up anyone who has not read a text msg while driving, cycling, walking, using the toilet, etc. think of the advantages for medical personal an interactive viewing device with laid over graphics, security being able to watch live video feeds while monitoring a different section, people will always find a misuse for inventions but that is not a reason not to develop. think of Nobel.

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    Mute jrbmc
    Favourite jrbmc
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    Nov 22nd 2011, 7:24 PM

    I SEE!!!!!

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