NEW YORK, May 25: Scientists have created infrared contact lenses that enable night vision without needing a power source. By combining flexible polymers used in regular contact lenses with nanoparticles, researchers at the University of Science and Technology of China developed lenses that allow wearers to see in the dark—and even with their eyes closed.

Published on May 22 in the journal Cell, the study explains that these lenses differ from traditional night-vision goggles because they don’t require batteries or external power. The nanoparticles absorb near-infrared light (wavelengths between 800-1600 nm) and convert it into light visible to the human eye.

Initial tests on mice showed that those wearing the lenses preferred dark areas illuminated by infrared light, unlike mice without the lenses. Human trials demonstrated that participants could detect flickering infrared light and its direction, with vision improving when their eyes were closed. This is because near-infrared light penetrates eyelids better than visible light, reducing interference.

Senior author and neuroscientist Tian Xue highlighted potential applications such as secure communication, rescue operations, anti-counterfeiting, and enhanced vision in poor visibility conditions like fog or dust. The researchers emphasize the technology’s broad practical uses and its promise as a non-invasive wearable device for “super-vision.”