Now, LCD embedded contact lenses that can display text messages

Researchers have developed new technology that will allow information, like text messages from a mobile phone, to be projected onto a contact lens worn in the human eye.

Ghent University's centre of microsystems technology has developed a spherical curved LCD display that can be embedded in contact lenses and handle projected images using wireless technology.

"Now that we have established the basic technology, we can start working towards real applications, possibly available in only a few years," the Telegraph quoted Professor Herbert De Smet as saying.

Unlike previous contact lens displays, which are limited to a few small pixels to make up an image, the new technology allows the whole curved surface of the lens to be used.

One application suggested by the researchers is a "one pixel, fully covered contact lens acting as adaptable sunglasses."

"This is not science fiction," Jelle De Smet, the chief researcher on the project, said.

"This will never replace the cinema screen for films. But for specific applications it may be interesting to show images such as road directions or projecting text messages from our smart phones straight to our eye," De Smet added.

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