IXI Autofocusing Lenses to Replace Multifocal Glasses

IXI, a startup from Finland, has unveiled working prototypes of autofocusing glasses that could modernize vision correction technology. The system targets age-related farsightedness, a condition affecting most people over 45.

The glasses combine cameraless eye tracking with liquid crystal lenses that automatically activate when the user's focus shifts. This eliminates the need for separate prescriptions found in traditional multifocal or bifocal lenses.

Key specifications include:

• 22-gram (0.7-ounce) prototype frames
• Batteries similar in size to AirPods
• 4 milliwatt power consumption for eye tracking
• Integrated charging port in the left arm hinge

The technology uses infrared LEDs and photodiodes to track eye movement, blinking, and gaze direction. IXI has partnered with Swiss manufacturer Optiswiss and plans a high-end launch through existing opticians next year.

Traditional glasses have remained largely unchanged for hundreds of years, with the last major innovation being progressive multifocals from the 1950s. IXI aims to break this stagnation with a two-part technology system.

The first component is the eye tracking system. According to CEO and co-founder Niko Eiden, the glasses use a network of LEDs and photodiodes positioned around the lens edges. These components bounce invisible infrared light off the eyes and measure the reflection to detect subtle movements.

The system tracks:

• Eye convergence when focusing on close objects
• Blinking patterns
• Gaze direction

Power efficiency is a major advantage. Using infrared with just a "handful of analog channels" requires far less energy than camera-based systems that need millions of pixels and 60-times-per-second processing. The entire tracking system consumes only 4 milliwatts of power.

The second component is the liquid crystal lenses. These consist of layers of liquid crystal and a transparent ITO (indium tin oxide) conductive layer. The combination remains incredibly thin, allowing the lenses to switch almost instantly into the required prescription. This thinness also enables integration into existing prescription lenses and provides cylindrical correction for astigmatism.

The prototype frames weigh 22 grams, comparable to traditional chunky spectacles. Most of the technology—including memory, sensors, driving electronics, and the eye tracker—is housed in the front frame and part of the arms closest to the hinge.

Battery and Charging

The prototype uses batteries similar in size to those found in AirPods. The charging port is integrated into the glasses' left arm hinge, which means the glasses cannot be worn while charging. IXI states that a single charge should cover a full day's usage.

Physical Design

While these are early iterations, the frames are designed to look like normal glasses. The team has refined nose pieces and arms to accommodate different face shapes. Testing initially occurred in Finland before expanding to the UK, where the team discovered that British faces required different fitting considerations.

Backup Functionality

Even if the glasses run out of power, they continue to function as traditional spectacles with the user's standard prescription, though they would lack the near-sighted boost provided by the autofocus system.

Beyond vision correction, IXI's sensor sensitivity offers potential health insights. The system can detect dry eyes and estimate attentiveness. By tracking gaze direction, it could potentially monitor posture and neck movement.

Niko Eiden explains that blink rate changes correlate with:

• Focus levels
• Daydreaming
• Anxiety

This data can be displayed in a companion app. Hypothetically, the product could evolve to adapt prescriptions dynamically throughout the day, offering stronger corrections as eyes become fatigued. This would represent a significant advancement beyond first-generation vision correction.

IXI is positioning the pieces to bring these glasses to market. The company must still obtain necessary medical certifications before it can sell the product. Production infrastructure is being established through a partnership with Swiss lens-maker Optiswiss.

Niko Eiden states the final product will be positioned as a high-end luxury glasses option. Distribution will occur through existing opticians rather than direct-to-consumer channels.

The company hopes to launch its first pair sometime next year. This timeline depends on securing medical certifications and establishing full production capacity. The technology represents a potential game-changer for the millions of people over 45 who experience age-related farsightedness.