KM Viray
Ever wonder why superheroes have extraordinary eyesight? It’s probably because of these bionic lenses that are set to take the world of vision by storm.
Invented by British Columbian optometrist Dr. Garth Webb, these artificial lenses do not only correct a patient’s sight, but offer a level of clarity three times greater than natural 20/20 vision. In total, Dr. Webb spent eight years and more than $3 million in funding to develop the Ocumetics Bionic Lens.
Just how great are these lenses? Setting aside all the technicalities and complicated medical terms, Webb puts it simply: “”If you can just barely see the clock at 10 feet, when you get the Bionic Lens you can see the clock at 30 feet away.” And that’s just assuming you don’t have 20/20 vision.
Though the lenses still need to undergo clinical trials before being approved, bionic lenses may soon phase out driving glasses, progressive lenses, and contact lenses. The best part is that the application process is said to be as painless and gentle as cataract surgery. The bionic lens was designed to replace the eye’s natural lens and is surgically implanted in the eye in an 8-minute procedure.
If all tests go well, the bionic lenses may be expected to hit the market in about two years.
Alongside his Bionic Lens venture, Webb has set up a foundation called the Celebration of Sight, which would donate money to organizations providing eye surgery in developing countries to improve people’s quality of life.
“Perfect eyesight should be a human right,” he says.
One Comment