Text messages direct to your contact lens

Ghent University's centre of microsystems technology has developed a spherical curved LCD display which 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," said Professor Herbert De Smet. 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," said Jelle De Smet, the chief researcher on the project, who believes commercial applications for the lenses will be available within five years.