photochromic contact lenses

**rdcoach5** · 04-27-2011, 06:24 AM

Why has no one come out with a photochromic contact lens?

**rdcoach5** · 04-27-2011, 07:53 AM

Found this link http://www.technologyreview.com/biomedicine/23922/?a=f

**juanpe** · 04-30-2011, 04:43 AM

very interesting, and do you know if these contact lenses are going to be commerciallized soon?

**uncut** · 04-30-2011, 05:57 AM

Originally Posted by rdcoach5

Why has no one come out with a photochromic contact lens?

The reason may be the same reason why sunglass contacts never were pursued.

The appearance factor.

A photochromic contact would suffer the same fate.

**bhess25** · 05-01-2011, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by uncut

The reason may be the same reason why sunglass contacts never were pursued.

The appearance factor.

A photochromic contact would suffer the same fate.

yes and no...they would have to use a multi material configuration, which may not be too cost effective. if the photochromic portion of the lens was made as a standard measurement of the diameter of the pupil with the outer edges made from the non photochromic variant of that material, appearance wouldn't be such an issue, however the process of manufacturing such a lens could prove to be difficult. Unless you look into the same process used by http://www.synergeyes.com/ to create hybrid contacts. With a hybrid the rgp lens has a soft "skirt" for fitting and comfort. Looking into that process it would be possible to sandwich a photochromic layer in the lens right about the size of the average pupil (about 5mm if memory serves me). I believe it is possible and im sure all options have been explored, however as i said before cost in manufacturing may be the only issue right now, but we know technology takes leaps and bounds each day, so it may not be too far off!!