Archive · 26 May 2025
New Contact Lenses Allow Humans to See in the Dark
Imagine contact lenses that let you see in the dark!
Scientists have made lenses that can change invisible infrared light into colors you can see.
These lenses use tiny particles to do this, and they work even if your eyes are closed!
Tests on mice and people showed that they could see infrared light.
It could be helpful for jobs like search and rescue, military operations, and maybe even surgery.
They can also help people who have trouble seeing colors.
The lenses can make red light look green, which could change the way colorblind people see the world.
Scientists created contact lenses using nanoparticles that convert infrared light into visible images.
The lenses use nanoparticles made from sodium gadolinium fluoride, with embedded luminescent materials.
Testing on mice and humans showed they could perceive infrared light and direction.
Vision improved with eyes closed, as infrared light penetrates eyelids more effectively.
The technology may help color blind people and is being tested for additional applications.
- Who
- Scientists led by Tian Xue.
- What
- Scientists have developed contact lenses that enable humans to see in the dark using infrared light.
- When
- Published in Cell on May 22.
- Where
- At the University of Science and Technology of China.
- Why
- To offer potential for "super-vision" in rescue operations, security, medical fields, and color vision improvement.
- Technology
- Near-infrared light is converted into visible images.
- Key Materials
- Sodium gadolinium fluoride, ytterbium, erbium, and gold nanoparticles.
- Infrared Detection
- Can detect infrared light between 800 and 1,600 nanometers.
- Testing
- Initial tests in mice and humans showed positive results.
- Potential Benefits
- May help people with color blindness.
- Developers
- Scientists from the University of Science and Technology of China.