‘Super-vision’ might be closer than you think

Researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China have developed wearable contact lenses that allow people to see in the dark, even with their eyes closed.

According to a study published in Cell on May 22, the lenses can detect flickering patterns and images without the need for night-vision goggles, using nanoparticles that detect near-infrared light.

“It’s totally clear cut: without the contact lenses, the subject cannot see anything, but when they put them on, they can clearly see the flickering of the infrared light,” senior author and neuroscientist Tian Xue explains. 

Xue also detailed that wearers can actually see clearly with their eyes closed, as there is less interference from near-infrared light, which penetrates the eyelids more effectively than visible light.

The researchers also managed to alter the colour of the nanoparticles, converting red light into green, which could be beneficial for individuals with colour blindness.

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

 
Although the invention may seem like something out of a comic book, the study highlighted its practical applications.

According to the study, "there are many real-world uses for this technology, such as encoding and transmitting infrared information, improving vision in low-visibility situations (like fog or dust), and integration into smart devices for emergencies and rescue."