Photo by Nataliya Vaitkevich

In 2023, the tech community was shaken by disappointing news when startup Mojo Vision announced it would halt the development of the world’s first augmented reality (AR) contact lens and prioritize the sales of its micro-LED technology.

Mojo Vision first captured global attention in 2020 with the debut of its AR contacts prototype at CES, and excitement only grew in 2022 when the company released a video of CEO Drew Perkins wearing a “feature-complete prototype.” Many believed Mojo Vision was close to a revolutionary breakthrough.

However, the sudden cessation of its development has led many to question whether AI-powered smart contact lenses will eventually become a reality, and if so, what they will look like and how they will impact society. Below, we explore the possible answers.

The evolution of contact lenses

Contact lenses have a rich history dating back to 1508, when Leonardo da Vinci first conceptualized a basic form of contact lens, albeit far from the wearable devices we know today. The journey from glass lenses to modern soft lenses has been marked by continuous innovation. Today, you can find contact lenses that also serve specialized functions, from Precision using Smartsurface technology to create a permanent microthin moisture layer to Dailies incorporating SmarTears technology that provides nearly 100% water content near the lens surface. These advanced technologies help the lenses retain moisture, last longer, and accommodate a range of eye conditions.

In recent years, researchers have sought ways to enhance traditional contact lenses even further. French inventor Laurent Galinier found that applying spiral scratches to lenses can produce clearer images than standard multifocal lenses, offering a new level of convenience for those with varying vision needs. This improvement illustrates the industry’s relentless drive to improve not only the comfort and durability of lenses but also their functionality.

The potential of AI in smart contact lenses

With such rapid advancements in contact lens technology, the integration of AI seemed inevitable. The potential of AI to process vast amounts of data and even discover novel concepts offers intriguing applications in contact lenses. Hence, despite setbacks like Mojo Vision’s halted project, the pursuit of AI-enhanced lenses continues globally.

South Korean scientists announced in August 2024 the development of contact lenses capable of projecting 3D holograms, bringing us one step closer to wearable AR. While such innovations focus on general usage, many smart contact lenses being developed today are tailored to medical applications. Dr. Valentyn Volkov, an expert in nanophotonics, emphasizes that “a contact lens is a medical device by definition,” highlighting the technology’s potential to improve medical diagnostics and treatment accessibility through everyday wearable devices.

One notable recent innovation in this domain is the smart contact lens by Dubai-based Xpanceo, displayed in October 2024 at the Gitex technology exhibition. Here, Dr. Volkov explained how this smart lens can detect early signs of glaucoma, correct color blindness and myopia, and even offer improved night vision. Such a device, if made widely available, could transform how eye conditions are detected and managed, making preventive care more accessible and potentially revolutionizing eye health for millions.

In the same month, Indian-born researcher Sai Teja Boppiniti created AI-embedded smart contact lenses that detect blood sugar levels and track various ocular health indicators. And just a few months earlier, scientists in Nanjing, China, developed eye-tracking smart contact lenses in May 2024. This breakthrough could lead to advanced applications in human-computer interaction and accessibility devices, while eye-tracking could enable smoother control of digital interfaces. This could potentially allow people with limited physical mobility to operate digital devices using only their eyes. Meanwhile, at the intersection of academia and AI innovation, researchers from the College of Optometry and Computer Science are also working on AI-driven fitting for orthokeratology lenses, another application that aims to correct vision issues overnight.

These recent breakthroughs in 3D hologram projection, medical diagnostics, and eye-tracking technology are proof that the concept of AI-powered smart contact lenses is not just alive but actively evolving across the globe. Such futuristic applications may sound like science fiction, but as we’ve seen since the 1500s, innovations in contact lenses continue to push the boundaries of what is possible. With the combined efforts of scientists, researchers, and companies worldwide, the dream of AI-powered smart lenses may become a reality sooner than we realize, offering benefits that span medical, accessibility, and lifestyle applications. 

TrendForce 2024 Near-Eye Display Market Trend and Technology Analysis
Release Date:2024 / 07 / 31
Languages:Traditional Chinese / English
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