Technology has really come a long way.  Connected devices are everywhere, but who would have thought that contact lenses will be joining the list?  Who would have imagined that the high-tech eyes from the Terminator movie would be possible?

Thanks to the brilliant minds of the scientists at the University of Washington in Seattle headed by the American scientist Babak Parviz, bionic contact lenses are quite real.  The contact lens has tiny LED lights, a wireless antenna for the charging and the taking of information, and an electric circuit.  In manufacturing electric circuits, it involves inorganic materials, scorching temperatures and toxic chemicals.  The team of scientists has built the circuits from layers of metals with thickness of only a few nanometers, which is even thinner than a strand of a human hair.  Moreover, the tiny LED lights measure just one-third of a millimeter across.

“So we’re trying to convert contact lenses from relatively simple pieces of plastic or polymer to a functional system — something that may even someday resemble the complexity of a cellular phone,” said Babak Parviz, Ph.D., Associate Professor of Electrical Engineering.

Now the question is, how will this work?  Is this device safe?

Basically, when the lens is placed on the eye, it picks up signal from mobile phones and streams it across the wearer’s line of sight.  Moreover, the words are being recreated in front of the eye and the information can be displayed on the rudimentary screen within the lenses.  Because of this, a hands free access to the internet, latest news, emails, SMS, and social networks is no longer a dream, but a reality.  Aside from staying connected, the lens can be a good gadget for those who go on nature hikes, as these lenses can zoom in and out, giving the wearer a better view of their surroundings.

The computerized contact lenses can also be worn just like ordinary lenses.  The electronic components, because of their size, will not get in the way or obstruct your view.

The invention has involved series of tests to ensure its safety and efficiency to human beings.  One of the tests was done on rabbits wherein optical parts are connected through an antenna to a smartphone.  The test has been successful causing no harm to the animal, showing potential that someday nearly all forms of information can be delivered directly through contact lenses.  And one day, by incorporating specialized sensors in the device, medical conditions and other information can be acquired, provided data such as blood sugar levels and more.

“The eye surface is covered with living cells that the body must keep them alive. Consequently, these cells are directly related to blood circulation,” said Babak Parviz.

There’s also word of  a Swiss company named Sensimed that has already launched a smart contact lens that uses buit-in computer technology to keep track and monitor pressure inside the eye – very helpful monitoring system for patients suffering from glaucoma.

In addition to this amazing invention, another breakthrough in technology is the bionic eye.  It is a device manufactured in Germany wherein a microchip is implanted in the eye of a blind person in order for the user to identify objects which includes being able to read the clock.  In time, this will be tested in the UK and will be used as the basis for whether or not the series of production will push through in 2013.