Maintaining sharp vision even in old age

In the interdisciplinary “Maintaining sharp vision even in old age” joint project , both a smart contact lens and an intraocular implant are being developed. Previous vision correction methods such as reading glasses, multifocal contact lenses as well as pharmaceutical and surgical interventions all have their advantages and limitations, but none of them mimic natural accommodation.

The vision corrections developed as part of the project are intended to compensate for the age-related loss of function of the human eye's near adaptation (presbyopia). For this purpose, the neuromuscular biopotentials of the ciliary muscle, which is responsible for the change in refractive power of the lens (= accommodation), are to be detected with the help of defined electrodes. These potentials can then be evaluated by a microcontroller and an integrated micro-optical system can be controlled with the aim of restoring the lost dynamic adaptation of the lens for distance and near vision.

Further information on the project can be found on the website of the External link opens in a new window:University Hospital Tübingen and the External link opens in a new window:Carl Zeiss Foundation.