Unlike traditional night vision technology, these innovative contact lenses can distinguish between different infrared wavelengths by color-coding them into the visible spectrum. The nanoparticles in the lenses convert specific infrared wavelengths into distinct visible colors: 808 nanometers appears as green, 980 nanometers as blue, and 1,532 nanometers as red.12 This remarkable feature allows wearers to perceive detailed information within the infrared spectrum that would otherwise be invisible.

This color-coding capability has potential applications beyond night vision. Scientists suggest the technology could be modified to help people with color blindness by converting wavelengths they cannot detect into colors they can perceive.2 While the contact lenses provide this enhanced vision, they do have limitations—the converted light scatters due to their proximity to the retina, resulting in somewhat blurry images. To address this issue, researchers have also developed wearable glasses using the same nanoparticle technology that enable higher-resolution infrared perception.12

The contact lenses employ specialized upconverting nanoparticles embedded within flexible, nontoxic polymers typically used in soft contact lenses.12 These remarkable nanoparticles function by absorbing lower-energy near-infrared wavelengths (800-1600 nm) and converting them into visible light (400-700 nm) that human eyes can detect.23 Unlike traditional night vision goggles that require bulky power sources, these lenses work passively, transforming invisible infrared radiation directly into visible wavelengths.1

Scientists have even developed color-coding variations of the technology, where different infrared wavelengths are converted to specific colors – 980 nm appears as blue light, 808 nm as green, and 1,532 nm as red.3 This feature not only enhances infrared perception but could potentially help people with color blindness by converting problematic wavelengths into colors they can perceive.3 The technology builds on earlier research where similar nanoparticles were injected directly into mouse retinas, but the contact lens approach provides a far less invasive solution for achieving enhanced vision capabilities.4

Unlike traditional night vision technology, these innovative contact lenses actually work better when the wearer's eyes are closed. This counterintuitive feature occurs because near-infrared light penetrates eyelids more effectively than visible light, resulting in less interference and clearer perception of infrared signals.12 During testing, participants could accurately detect flashing morse code-like signals and determine the direction of incoming infrared light even with their eyes shut.2 This remarkable capability stems from the nanoparticles' ability to convert invisible infrared wavelengths (800-1600 nm) into visible light that the human eye can process.3

• The lenses allow wearers to perceive infrared light as visible colors (red, green, and blue)4

• Infrared signals can be clearly detected through closed eyelids with reduced interference12

• This technology could be valuable in security operations, rescue missions, and encrypted communications25

• Unlike bulky night vision goggles, these contact lenses require no power source65