Bye bye bifocals, hello electronic spectacles

[Elmore Furth]

Here is a technologically new pair of glasses that has a layer of liquid crystal sandwiched inside each lens to alter its refractive properties by adjusting electrical current applied the the liquid crystal. This changes the focal length either manually or automatically.





http://spie.org/x37305.xml?ArticleID=x37305

Traditional bifocals could become a thing of the past with the invention of electronic glasses that automatically adjust to let their wearer view objects at different distances.

The electronic glasses, developed by US firm PixelOptics, can be adjusted manually to view objects at different distances by pressing a button on the side of the frames.

Trials are under way in the US and the developer hopes to launch the glasses by the end of 2010 before bringing them to the UK by the middle of next year.

The electronic glasses, which have been developed by US firm PixelOptics, can be adjusted manually to view objects at different distances by pressing a button on the side of the frames.

Bye bye bifocals, hello electronic spectacles

[hlthe2b]

1. Require pushing a button to select focal length...

Does anyone really use eyeglasses like that? Even if you were reading close up, you need the ability to look beyond at some distance, which is accomplished instantaneously by bifocals. I don't get how this is an improvement. :shrug:

[elocs]

2. I waiting for them to come out with lenses that do not scratch when you beathe on them.

I have had glasses for many years with scratch protection on them that are covered with scratches. You would think I took a nail to them.

[frazzled]

3. Um, no thanks--and who uses bifocals anyway?

Most of us four-eyes have been wearing progressive lenses (which include near, middle, and far vision)--with no lines--for at least a decade and a half. Who on earth would want to push a button? What is the purpose of this contraption, and what are the advantages? I can see none (excuse the pun).

[MiniMe]

4. I believe that people who had bifocals when progressive lenses came out

have a hard time switching. I, for one, love my progressive lenses.

[lazarus]

5. Heck, I still use reading glasses

I can't stand bifocals or progressives.

[xchrom]

6. wow -- very interesting. nt

[flamingdem]

7. Imagine losing these somewhere! Definately have to tie them around the neck ! nt