Contact lenses allow humans to see in the dark with super vision

Chinese scientists have unveiled groundbreaking contact lenses that enable wearers to see in the dark, revolutionising the potential for wearable technology. These innovative lenses, which do not require bulky equipment like traditional night-vision goggles, utilise nanoparticles embedded in a flexible, transparent material to convert infrared light into visible colours such as red, blue and green.

This remarkable development extends vision to the near-infrared spectrum — an area of light invisible to the human eye. During trials, users could detect flashing infrared signals and identify their direction, even in low-light conditions. The lenses are effective in daylight, but their efficacy increases when the wearer closes their eyes, as near-infrared light penetrates the eyelid more effectively than visible light.

The research team, led by Professor Tian Xue of the University of Science and Technology of China, also experimented with animals to enhance understanding of the lenses. Mice wearing the lenses were able to perceive spaces illuminated by infrared light, a capability verified by their behavioural responses and brain scans. Despite some challenges in image clarity due to proximity to the retina, the concept is a significant leap towards practical applications for night vision.

The lenses’ potential extends beyond just night vision. Researchers speculate that the technology could enhance visibility in foggy or dusty conditions, as infrared light penetrates these obstructions more effectively. Adjustments to the nanoparticles embedded in the lenses may also allow the translation of colours for users with colour blindness, potentially making indistinct hues more visible.

As a next step, the researchers are working to improve both spatial resolution and sensitivity to low-intensity infrared light to optimise functionality in complete darkness. Collaborative efforts with optical experts and material scientists aim to further refine these lenses, potentially integrating them with glasses for enhanced sharpness or adapting them with other technologies to expand their range of applications.

This pioneering work not only signals a new era in wearable technology but also hints at wider implications for fields such as defence, search and rescue, and medical diagnostics. As the scientists continue to push the boundaries, these lenses could soon become a vital tool in environments requiring advanced visibility and sensory adaptation.