IXI’s autofocus lenses are almost ready to replace multifocal glasses

As wave after wave of smart glasses and face-based wearables crash onto the shores of CES, traditional glasses haven’t really changed much in the hundreds of years we’ve been using them. The last innovation, arguably, was progressive multifocal glasses that mixed near and far lenses – and that was in the 1950s. It makes sense that autofocus glasses maker IXI thinks it’s time to modernize glasses.

Having recently announced a 22-gram (0.7-ounce) prototype frame, the startup is here in Las Vegas to show off working prototypes of its lenses, a key part of its potentially game-changing autofocus glasses.

IXI glasses are designed for age-related hyperopia, a condition that affects many, if not most, people over the age of 45. They combine camera-less eye tracking with liquid crystal lenses that automatically activate when the glasses detect a change in the user’s focus. This means that instead of having two separate prescriptions, as in multifocal or bifocal lenses, IXI lenses automatically switch between each prescription. Importantly, like most modern smart glasses, the frames themselves are lightweight and look like just another pair of normal glasses.

With a row of prototype frames and lenses laid out in front of him, CEO and co-founder Niko Eiden explained the technology, which can be separated into two parts. First, the IXI glasses track the movement of your eyes using a system of LEDs and photodiodes, scattered around the edges of the lenses. The LEDs reflect invisible infrared light back to the eyes and then measure the reflection, detecting the subtle movements of your eye and how the two eyes converge when focusing on a nearby object.

Using infrared with just “a handful of analog channels” requires far less power than the millions of pixels and 60 times per second processing required by camera-based systems. IXI’s system tracks not only eye movements, but also blinks and gaze direction, while consuming only 4 milliwatts of power.

Most of the technology, including memory, sensors, driving electronics and the eye tracker, is found in the front frame of the glasses and in the part of the temples closest to the hinge. The IXI prototype apparently uses batteries similar in size to those found in AirPods, which gives an idea of ​​the size and weight of the technology used. The charging port is integrated into the hinge of the left arm of the glasses. Naturally, this means they cannot be worn while charging. IXI says a single charge should cover a full day of use.

The prototype frames I saw this week appeared to be about the same weight as my traditional big specs. And while these are early iterations, IXI’s first frames wouldn’t be out of place in a range of eyewear options.

The team also refined the glasses’ noses and temples to fit different face shapes. Apparently, when testing expanded from Finland to the UK, the British faces were “…different.” A bit harsh when speaking to me, a Brit.

Eiden released prototype lenses, made of layers of liquid crystals and a transparent conductive layer of ITO (indium tin oxide). This suit is still incredibly thin, and it was amazing to see the layers transform into prescription lenses almost instantly. It seemed almost magical. Thanks to their thinness, they can be easily integrated into lenses with existing prescriptions. It can also provide cylindrical correction of astigmatism.

Autofocus lenses could eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses, such as bifocals and progressive glasses. Even if the glasses were to run out of power, they would still function like a traditional pair of glasses with your standard prescription, just lacking the myopia boost. IXI’s sensor sensitivity can also offer insight into other health conditions, detect dry eye, estimate attention and, by tracking where you look, even posture and neck movements. According to Eiden, blink rate changes with concentration, daydreaming and anxiety, and all of this generates data that can be displayed in the companion app.

Hypothetically, the product could even potentially adapt prescriptions dynamically, going beyond just correcting Generation 1 vision. For example, it could offer stronger corrections when your eyes get tired throughout the day.

IXI appears to be putting the pieces in place to make these glasses a reality. She still needs to obtain the necessary medical certifications to sell her glasses and set up all the production parts. It is already partnered with Swiss lens manufacturer Optiswiss for manufacturing. Eiden says the final product will be positioned as a high-end luxury eyewear option, sold through existing opticians. The company hopes to finally release its first pair next year.