It's all coming into focus: World's first electronic glasses promise end to bifocal frames

[mc_squared]

It's all coming into focus: World's first electronic glasses promise end to bifocal frames

 

 

By Daily Mail Reporter

Last updated at 5:35 PM on 25th April 2011

 

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• The lenses contain a thin layer of liquid crystal that changes its alignment when prompted
  

They may look like an ordinary pair of spectacles, but these glasses are at the forefront of a revolution in eyewear.

Part of a new line of electronic eye glasses called emPower, they allow bifocal wearers to switch between different prescription settings for reading and more distant viewing.

 

emPower spectacles contain the world's first electronic focusing lenses.

The lenses contain a thin layer of liquid crystal that changes its alignment when prompted, thereby changing the strength of focus.

Scroll down for video

 

Electronic focusing: The emPower range of glasses have lenses that contain a thin layer of liquid crystal that changes its alignment when prompted, thereby altering the strength of focus

 

People who wear bifocal glasses know all about how the distorted view they get when looking downwards at the ground.

 

All the emPower wearer needs to do is tilt his head downward or manually touch the frame and the reading prescription is activated - and vice versa.

 

emPower manufacturer PixelOptics promises the new glasses will be 'fabricated in all prescriptions... and will be available in numerous high-fashion styles, shapes, sizes and colours'.

 

 

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The glasses were unveiled last month during the International Vision Expo East in New York and are set for a U.S. release this summer.

 

Each eight-hour battery charge allows for two-to-three days of switching between focus settings.

 

The frames have three settings - automatic, manual on and manual off - allowing the wearer to remain fully in control.

 

One potential drawback is their cost - a pair will set you back between $1,000 and £1,250, although that includes the frames, lenses , coatings and charger.

 

PixelOptics has been developing its emPower glasses for 12 years and has filed 275 patents in the U.S. during the process.

Read more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1380444/EmPower-Worlds-electronic-glasses-promise-end-bifocal-frames.html#ixzz1KZorPpqK

[Black Rose]

Should have gone to Specsavers :P

[mc_squared]

Should have gone to Specsavers :P

 

I see what you did there............................... :rolleyes:

[Black Rose]

Maybe in a few years when the cost comes down they might be worth buying but at $1000 for a pair, it's going to be rich man's toys