Mojo Vision initiates development of smart contact lens with zoom feature
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Mojo Vision announced it is initiating development of the Mojo Lens, a smart contact lens with a built-in computing display.
Additionally, the company plans to develop an early application designed to serve as a low vision aid with real-time control of contrast and lighting enhancements along with zoom functionality.
The Mojo Lens display incorporates an image sensor for computer vision, a custom wireless radio, and motion sensors for eye-tracking and image stabilization. The display delivers a pixel pitch of more than 14,000 ppi and a pixel density of more than 200 Mpp2.
“It’s a tall order to put all that they want into a contact lens, but it could be an exciting breakthrough,” Scott A. Edmonds, OD, FAAO, codirector of the Low Vision/Contact Lens Service at Wills Eye Hospital in Philadelphia and a member of the Primary Care Optometry News Editorial Board and one of its bloggers, said in an interview. “We’re always looking for new ways to help people with technology.”
Mojo Vision received FDA breakthrough device status for the development of the Mojo Lens and is conducting clinical studies.
Edmonds noted two potential barriers to optimal application of the smart lens, however. First, he was concerned that even though the device cannot be seen, people using it and focusing on the display may appear socially rude when interacting with others as well as the potential risk for accidents if people lose focus on their environment.
Second, the lens would need to be fit professionally for individuals if it is a scleral contact lens or may not fit everyone if it is a “one-size-fits-all” design.
“On the plus side is the lens magnification, so people with low vision or reduced vision will be able to benefit,” Edmonds said. “If it can do that, and the images are of high quality — we don’t know that yet —that could have applications for aiding people with high visual demands.” – by Talitha Bennett
Disclosure: Edmonds is chief medical officer of MARCH Vision Care.