Scientists turn infrared goggles into contact lenses

Infrared contact lenses have been developed by researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China. These lenses, which use nanoparticles to convert infrared light into visible light, offer several advantages over traditional night-vision goggles:

1. **No Power Source Required**: Unlike night-vision goggles, which need a power source, the infrared contact lenses do not require any external energy to function.
2. **Transparent and Wearable**: The lenses are transparent, allowing wearers to see visible light and infrared light simultaneously. This means that individuals can wear them while still being able to see normally, with the added ability to perceive infrared images.
3. **Improved Visibility**: The lenses are capable of detecting a wider range of infrared wavelengths, providing a more detailed and colorful representation of the infrared spectrum compared to the monochromatic green images typically seen with night-vision goggles.
4. **Infrared Vision with Closed Eyes**: Due to the nature of the nanoparticles, which allow infrared light to penetrate the eyelid more effectively, wearers can even see infrared light with their eyes closed.
5. **Potential for Further Development**: This technology could be adapted to create a range of wearables that extend human vision beyond its natural range, potentially benefiting individuals with color blindness or other visual impairments.

These advancements make the infrared contact lenses a significant step forward in the field of visual enhancement, offering a safer, more practical, and more versatile solution for perceiving the infrared spectrum.