Ocumetics Bionic Lens implant promises eyesight that’s better than 20/20

By Lulu Chang Updated May 22, 2015

bionic lens implant perfect vision eye — Image used with permission by copyright holder

20/20 vision may be the gold standard today, but the introduction of a new contact lens could fundamentally change what we deem to be “perfect” eyesight. The Ocumetics Bionic Lens takes correcting vision to a whole new level, promising bionic eyesight that’s up to three times better than 20/20. It may be difficult to picture now, but according to Dr. Garth Webb, the Canadian optometrist behind the bionic lens, this new device is the future of vision.

Ideally, the Ocumetics Bionic Lens would be implanted in patients after their eyes have fully developed around the age of 25, similar to the timeframe currently associated with Lasik eye surgery. But unlike Lasik, which only corrects to 20/20, Webb believes that his new technology would open up an entirely new realm of possibility in terms of eyesight. In fact, these special lenses would replace the natural lenses in the eye, giving the wearer super-charged vision.

“This is vision enhancement that the world has never seen before,” Webb told CBC News. “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.”

While it may seem that such a revolutionary procedure would be a pain to complete, Webb claims that the entire process would take just eight minutes. A custom made lens would be placed into the patient’s eye, where it would unravel in a mere 10 seconds, instantaneously not only correcting, but vastly improving his or her vision.

The lens, which is currently undergoing clinical trials, has met with great excitement from much of the optometry field. Dr. Vincent DeLuise, an ophthalmologist with joint teaching positions at both Yale University and at Weill Cornell Medical College, told the CBC, “I think this device is going to bring us closer to the holy grail of excellent vision at all ranges — distant, intermediate and near.”

So when can you get beyond perfect vision? Depending on your country’s timeline, Webb estimates that the lens will be ready for public release sometime within the next two years. “Perfect eyesight should be a human right,” Webb said. And with the Ocumetics Bionic Lens, the very definition of perfection is being reinvented.

Topics

Former Digital Trends Contributor

Fascinated by the effects of technology on human interaction, Lulu believes that if her parents can use your new app…

Emerging Tech

This bracelet helps you fall asleep faster and sleep longer

woman-in-bed-wearing-twilight-apollo-on-ankle

This content was produced in partnership with Apollo Neuroscience.
Have you been struggling to get the recommended seven hours of sleep? It's always frustrating when you get in bed at a reasonable time, then toss and turn for a hours before you actually sleep. The quality of that sleep is important too. If you're waking up multiple times during the night, you're likely not getting the quality REM cycle sleep that truly rejuvenates your body. If traditional remedies like herbal teas and noise machines just aren't helping, maybe it's time to try a modern solution. Enter the Apollo wearable.

Now we understand being a little skeptical. How can a bracelet on your wrist or ankle affect your sleep patterns? Certainly the answer to a better night's sleep can't be so simple. We considered these same things when we first heard of it. We'll dive deeper into the science behind the Apollo wearable, but suffice it to say that many people have experienced deeper, uninterrupted sleep while wearing one.
A non-conventional approach to better sleep

Deals

The 11 best Father’s Day deals that you can get for Sunday

Data from a workout showing on the screen of the Apple Watch Series 8.

Father's Day is fast approaching and there's still time to buy your beloved Dad a sweet new device to show him how much you love him. That's why we've rounded up the ten best Father's Day tech deals going on right now. There's something for most budgets here, including if you're able to spend a lot on your loved one. Read on while we take you through the highlights and remember to order fast so you don't miss out on the big day.
Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 -- $200, was $230

While it's the Plus version of the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 that features in our look at the best tablets, the standard variety is still worth checking out. Saving your Dad the need to dig out their laptop or squint at a small phone screen, the Samsung Galaxy Tab A8 offers a large 10.5-inch LCD display and all the useful features you would expect. 128GB of storage means plenty of room for all your Dad's favorite apps as well as games too. A long-lasting battery and fast charging save him the need for a power source too often too.

Deals

The Apollo wearable is proven to help you sleep better (and it’s on sale)

Apollo wearable worn during sleep in bed.

This content was produced in partnership with Apollo Neuro.
Stress, anxiety, and insomnia are all concerning things that just about everyone struggles with at one time or another. Maybe you can sleep, fending off insomnia, but you lack quality sleep and don’t feel rested in the morning. Or, maybe when it’s time to kick back and relax, you just can’t find a way to do so. There are many solutions for these issues, some work, and others don’t, but one unlikely area of support can be found in a modern, smart wearable.

Medicine is the obvious choice, but not everyone prefers to go that route. There is an answer in modern technology or rather a modern wearable device. One such device is the Apollo wearable, which improves sleep and stress relief via touch therapy. According to Apollo Neuro, the company behind the device, which is worn on your ankle, wrist or clipped to your clothing, it sends out waves of vibrations to help your body relax and reduce feelings of stress. It's an interesting new approach to a common problem that has typically been resolved via medicine, therapy, or other more invasive and time-consuming techniques. The way it utilizes those vibrations, uniquely placed and administered, to create a sense of peace, makes us ask, can it really cure what ails us? We’ll dig a little deeper into how it achieves what it does and what methods it’s using to make you feel better.