A recently-published Google patent has revealed its plans to introduce an innovative, vision-improving lens. The patent, which was initially filed in 2014, outlines the procedure which will replace the wearer’s natural eye lens with an electronic lens. This will effectively help replace the wearer’s natural eye lens, which indicates that the procedure might not be one that users can discard if it does not work out.
The new lens will negate the need to wear glasses or contacts, but the procedure requires the user to accept a potentially permanent change. The intrusive procedure will see the person’s natural eye lens surgically removed, and
the capsule filled with a special fluid. An “intra-ocular device” will rest on the fluid, which acts as an adhesive to couple the device to the eyeball. This new electronic contact lens will then utilize the in-built sensor to correct both near-sighted and far-sighted vision; this ensures that the device can be marketed to most individuals who need vision correction.
According to the patent, the wearer can control the electronic lens and provide optical power at different times for near and far objects. It is not clear whether the transition will be entirely smooth, but it will only need one procedure to insert the lens and improve vision. Given that the smart contact device includes other items such as sensors, storage, radio components and even a battery, it is safe to say that the lens could eventually be used as an eye-enhancement device instead of just a vision-correcting mechanism. What is perhaps worrisome is the amount of components that will be in the eyeball. The battery will need to be recharged, but will draw power from "energy harvesting antenna." It is refreshing to know that Google does not want people charging their eyeballs with USB ports or cables, but the need to have a battery makes one wonder about the sustainability of the project. If better technology such as sensors and batteries become available, will wearers need another procedure to change the lens in their eyes?
Google will also need to ensure that the lens can withstand the effects of long-term exposure to fluids in the human eye. Google has previously dabbled with eye-related technology, having secured a smart contact lens patent in 2014, with the lens focusing mainly on using tears to measure glucose levels. Google partnered with Novartis AG (ADR) (NYSE:NVS) to make such technology happen. The tech giant currently faces competition from Samsung Group (OTCMKTS:SSNLF), whose smart contact lens can capture pictures, and hence perhaps cater to a different demographic altogether.
After the failed Google Glass experiment, it appears that Google still wants to push for a breakthrough eye wearable. While not as chunky, the Google lens certainly has the potential to be used for vision correction as well as other, tech-related purposes. However, customers might not entirely be comfortable with having a lens that effectively gives them a bionic eye, while also requiring a surgical procedure. Given that the technology has only been patented, no such product might actually be released.
If the Alphabet Inc. (NASDAQ:GOOG) subsidiary does release this product, all prior research must be carried out to ensure that customers get a durable product. It will be interesting to see what the price point for this lens will be – Google will want to ensure that, unlike the Google Glass, this will be a product that a majority of individuals can purchase. The product, after all, has the potential to be a blessing for individuals suffering from ophthalmic issues.
the capsule filled with a special fluid. An “intra-ocular device” will rest on the fluid, which acts as an adhesive to couple the device to the eyeball. This new electronic contact lens will then utilize the in-built sensor to correct both near-sighted and far-sighted vision; this ensures that the device can be marketed to most individuals who need vision correction.
