Move over, bifocals and reading glasses.

A team based at the University of Utah has just unveiled “Smart Glasses,” which have liquid-based lenses. They automatically adjust focus upon whatever their wearer is looking at. Near, or far – no matter. The possibility of this idea being perfected no doubt has myopic reading-glass-wearers cheering. But… how did the Utah team do it?

The healthy human eye lens can adapt nearly instantly to detect depth. But with aging, some of this ability to shift and change focus tends to decrease. This leads to the need for eyeglasses for either or both nearsightedness and farsightedness. Smart Glasses lenses are made of glycerin, enclosed by another flexible membrane. According to Phys.org, “The rear membrane in each lens is connected to a series of mechanical actuators that push the membrane back and forth, changing the curvature of the liquid lens, and the focal length between the lens and the eye.” This is all powered by a rechargeable battery. Before using them for the first time, the wearer just programs her prescription into a smartphone app, which then adjusts the lenses.

What do you think? Could Smart Glasses be the next game changers in an industry that thrives upon innovative technologies? We’re sure to find out very soon.

Find your next game changers at Charlotte Jones Opticians.