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24 February 2010 Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN)

World’s First Photochromic Contact Lens for Vision Protection

IBN’s latest innovation is the world’s first photochromic contact lenses that darken on exposure to sunlight and protect wearers’ eyes from UV radiation
IBN’s latest innovation is the world’s first photochromic contact lenses that darken on exposure to sunlight and protect wearers’ eyes from UV radiation.
Image Credit: IBN.

Long-term unprotected exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) rays can lead to age-related macular degeneration, cataracts and other eye conditions that can compromise the quality of our vision.

IBN Team Leader and Senior Research Scientist Dr Edwin Chow and his team have developed the first photochromic contact lens in the world that darkens rapidly on exposure to sunlight to shield the eyes against harmful UV rays and glare without compromising vision and comfort.

IBN’s unique photochromic contact lens material is formed through polymerization with a bicontinuous microemulsion that contains a polymerizable surfactant, lens monomers and water. This microemulsion has both hydrophobic and hydrophilic domains that can be used to synthesize materials with unique properties.

IBN’s photochromic nanostructured material can be easily produced into any desired shape and form, therefore broadening the scope of its potential applications to other uses such as optical coating on glasses and windows. The team is currently pursuing the commercialization of this technology.

Source: Institute of Bioengineering and Nanotechnology (IBN) /...

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3 Comments

Comment Author Icon Gerry Ocampo
Comment Date IconPosted on 2011-02-11 at 18:52:13
I used to work for contact lens company, and try to develop a photocromic contact lens with success, but the company did not want to pursue this idea, this was 20 years ago, 10 years later with the company under a different owner we try again, with success, then I learned that the FDA will not approved this concept for the reason that this is not safe when you are driving and pass under a bridge, the lens do not change to clear that fast, therefor you are blind for like 30 seconds.
I think is a good idea my sellf.
Good luck.
Mr. Ocampo

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Comment Author Icon Sena Nolte
Comment Date IconPosted on 2011-05-21 at 14:24:40
Great Idea and should be persued, Even if the tint is not dark you dont need much to protect the eyes and eliminate specific frequencies of light, such as those that blur vision or enhance contrast. Sunglasses often have different options for lens colors, and specific colors work better in specific situation ie: shooting or fishing. I sure hope to see this on the market soon.
Best Regards,
~Sena

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Comment Author Icon phil
Comment Date IconPosted on 2011-10-11 at 12:34:56
That is the most ridiculous reason for not persuing them, which makes me doubt your story. Photochromatic glasses don’t change anyway when you’re driving, because the windshield blocks most of the UV light. The only people this could affect is drivers of open topped cars, or pushbikes. A warning could easily be included

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