A few years ago, UK-based Adlens developed self-adjustable glasses designed to let those in the developing world dial in their ideal magnification level – no optometrist required. Now the company is bringing the technology to thedeveloped world as an alternative to bifocals. Instead of looking through a differentarea of the lenses (and tilting your head forward and back) to switch from near to far objects,the magnification of the AdlensFocuss glasses is adjusted by a small dial on thearm.
Like the similarly charitably-focused Eyejusters, the AdlensFocussglasses incorporate two lenses for each eye. In this case, the wearer's prescription lens islocated in the front, while a deformable lens is placed behind it, with a layerof clear silicone oil sandwiched in between.
Manipulating a small dial on theinside of the temple arm squeezes the lenses together or pushes them apart,altering the magnification rate. This allows the glasses to instantly switchbetween three different settings – distance, mid and reading – that are presetwith the user's prescription.
Adlens calls this technology Variable PowerOptics (VPO) and says it provides four times the viewing area of the bestno-line bifocals, which require the wearer to move their head around to findthe focal sweet spot. Putting it simply, the company says its AdlensFocussglasses provide an experience similar to wearing single vision lenses, but witha much greater focal range.
The company launched its AdlensFocuss eyewear inthe US at the start of June and was showing its wares at CE Week in New Yorkthis week. The glasses are available in four different frame styles, each ofwhich comes in a choice of six finishes and colors, with prices starting ataround US$1,000.
Source: Adlens