SARASOTA, Fla.—E-Vision, an optical technology company based here that is developing an autofocusing contact lens, recently announced that it has successfully completed an electronic contact lens platform device to demonstrate the ability to its lens to electronically change diopters in real time. The device electronically shifts focus on demand utilizing e-Vision Smart Optics patented technology, the company said in a press release. “People are amazed as they see the lens in action, realizing how this technology can impact our industry by offering electronic diopter control. Our first-in-category electronically controlled features must be seen to believe,” said Joel D. Zychick, E-Vision’s president and CEO.

The electronic contact lenses will offer onboard power/control, remote setting and activation, dimensions that fit within current contact lens size requirements, and up to four diopters of control, or more, that can be switched in 50 milliseconds, according to E-Vision. The lenses consist of two layers of liquid crystal, 8 microns thick, sandwiched between three thin layers of polymer.


In the unpowered mode, the liquid crystal molecules are in their relaxed state and provide no optical power. When a small voltage is applied, the liquid crystal molecules begin to change their optical properties resulting in focus changes in the lens. The current device can be switched to one, two or three diopters of optical power but many other combinations can be designed into it, including higher and more distinct optical powers.

The commercial product will have its base optical power molded into the polymer, while the liquid crystal changes the optical power as required. For example, if someone was near sighted, the contact lens would be molded to provide the user with best corrected distance vision, then be able to switch as needed to pre-programmed near focus, close intermediate focus, intermediate focus and distance.

All power, electronics, optics and communication components will be inside of the contact lens. The power source will provide energy for a full day’s use and be recharged wirelessly when removed from the user’s eye overnight.

E-Vision said its electronic contact lens technology is available for licensing. Click here to see a video demonstration of the technology.