A contact lens to help the wearer see in the dark

New research published in Cell has described the development of contact lenses that help the wearer to see in the dark.

Researchers from University of Science and Technology of China, Fudan University and University of Massachusetts Medical School harnessed nanoparticles that absorb infrared light and convert it into wavelengths that are visible to humans.

These nanoparticles were incorporated into the flexible, non-toxic polymers that are used in standard soft contact lenses.

Researchers observed that mice wearing the contact lenses demonstrated behaviours that suggested they could see infrared wavelengths.

For example, when mice wearing the contact lenses were given the choice between a dark box and a box illuminated with infrared light, these mice selected the dark box – whereas contact lens-free mice showed no preference.

When humans wore the contact lenses they were able to perceive the direction of infrared light and making out flashing patterns of infrared light signals.

“Our research opens up the potential for non-invasive wearable devices to give people super-vision,” neuroscientist and senior author, Tian Xue, said.

He added that study participants were better able to make out the infrared light when their eyes were closed.

“Near-infrared light penetrates the eyelid more effectively than visible light, so there is less interference from visible light,” Xue explained.

He highlighted that the technology could have a range of applications – including the transmission of information in security, rescue, encryption or anti-counterfeiting settings.