Triggering Switchable Contact Lenses

Presbyopia is a condition where the lens in the eye becomes less flexible making it impossible to focus clearly on nearby objects. It is an extremely common conditon affecting most people over the age of 40. Worldwide it was estimated in 2011 that there were 1.272 billion sufferers, and we estimate that in the UK there are currently 28 million people living with Presbyopia. Presbyopia is currently managed by the use of multifocal and bi-focal spectacles, and also contact lenses, known as multifocal lenses. Each method of presbyopia correction is compromised in some way as current users of the various solutions will know and appreciate. Through this project we aim to develop an electronic contact lens, known as a Smart Lens, which can automatically switch to enable a wearer to clearly see into the distance and then clearly see objects that are close.