What it is
A lens containing a liquid-crystal layer whose refractive index can be altered by an applied voltage.
How it works
Patterned electrodes reorient liquid-crystal molecules, changing how light bends through the layer and shifting focal power on demand.
Why it matters
It could replace the narrow reading corridors of progressive lenses with a lens that simply focuses where you are looking.
Advantages
- No moving parts
- Fast switching
- Can be combined with a base prescription
Current limitations
- Power consumption
- Polarisation and aperture constraints
- Durability at consumer scale unproven
Commercial readiness
Announced products exist but no broad consumer availability.
Development timeline
2018
Early adaptive-focus eyewear demonstrations
2025
Startups announce consumer autofocus eyewear programmes