Scientists have developed contact lenses that allow humans and mice to see in the dark, even with their eyes closed. The contact lenses convert infrared light into visible light, enabling wearers to perceive multiple infrared wavelengths simultaneously.
The technology uses nanoparticles that absorb infrared light and convert it into visible light within a specific range of electromagnetic radiation (400-700 nm). This allows for the detection of “near-infrared light” just beyond what humans can see. The contact lenses are designed with flexible polymers used in standard soft contact lenses, making them nontoxic.
In tests, mice wearing the contact lenses showed behaviors suggesting they could see infrared wavelengths, including choosing a dark box over an infrared-illuminated one and exhibiting physiological signals of infrared vision. Humans wearing the contact lenses accurately detected flashing morse code-like signals and perceived the direction of incoming infrared light.
The technology also allows users to differentiate between different spectra of infrared light by engineering nanoparticles to color-code different wavelengths, which could help color-blind people see specific colors that are invisible to them. However, the current version has limited ability to capture fine details due to their close proximity to the retina.
Researchers are working to improve the sensitivity and spatial resolution of the contact lenses, aiming for higher-resolution infrared information and the ability to detect lower levels of infrared light.
Source: https://phys.org/news/2025-05-infrared-contact-lenses-people-dark.html