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Bye bye bifocals, hello electronic spectacles
Telegraph ^ | 6/21/10 | Richard Gray

Posted on 06/21/2010 12:16:31 AM PDT by LibWhacker

Traditional bifocals could become a thing of the past with the invention of electronic glasses that automatically adjust to let their wearer view objects at different distances.

The spectacles, which are due to be launched in the US this year and the UK next year, use lenses that change their strength when a small electrical current passes through them.

A layer of liquid crystal sandwiched inside each lens alters its refractive properties according to the current applied, adapting the focal length according to where the wearer is looking.

Traditional bifocals, which use two lenses of different strengths in front of each eye, have been used by people who are struggle to focus on both near and far objects ever since they were believed to have been invented by Benjamin Franklin, the American statesman, in the 1780s.

But some users complain of headaches and dizziness while the small field of view forces them to move their heads while reading.

The electronic glasses, which have been developed by US firm PixelOptics, can be adjusted manually to view objects at different distances by pressing a button on the side of the frames.

Unlike traditional bifocals, which only allow the wearer to focus "near" or "far", the electronic lenses have a range of in-between settings.

(Excerpt) Read more at telegraph.co.uk ...


TOPICS: Business/Economy; Health/Medicine
KEYWORDS: bifocals; electronic; glasses; spectacles

1 posted on 06/21/2010 12:16:32 AM PDT by LibWhacker
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To: LibWhacker

Makes me want a quiet spot, a candle, and an old dusty tome.


2 posted on 06/21/2010 12:29:43 AM PDT by allmost
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To: LibWhacker
They'll help you get a real good look.




3 posted on 06/21/2010 1:44:24 AM PDT by Jeff Chandler (Judas Iscariot - the first social justice advocate. John 12:3-6)
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To: LibWhacker
Like all new inventions, I think that the early models will be a little cumbersome.

4 posted on 06/21/2010 2:06:42 AM PDT by jmcenanly
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To: jmcenanly

I’m reminded of the first LED digital watches of the 70’s. You needed two hands to do what you used to do with one.


5 posted on 06/21/2010 2:48:09 AM PDT by Roccus (......and then there were none.)
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To: Jeff Chandler
I protest! That was NOT a nice thing to post
6 posted on 06/21/2010 4:03:26 AM PDT by Pecos
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