By Nigel Little 

Vision correction  is about to take a step forward through a new technological breakthrough which uses electronic eyeglasses to provide perfect sight over near and short distances in the blink of an eye. PixelOptics has invented the first dynamic electronic spectacle lens - emPower!^TM - which is intended to revolutionize the way you see and use your glasses. Offered in a range of modern, attractive frames, emPower!^TM can focus as fast as you can blink your eye and operates in either an automatic or manual mode. More importantly, the lenses can address both short- and long-sightedness and provide wider fields of view compared to a progressive addition lens.

Older people whose short-sightedness is normally addressed by conventional contact lenses or glasses but who then encounter problems with reading through age-related presbyopia are seen as a major target for this innovative approach. Such people often find themselves having to switch between different pairs of glasses for different tasks or to additionally carry reading glasses if they normally use contact lenses. However, these new electronic lenses allow the wearer to switch from distant to near vision virtually instantly by running their finger along the side of the frames. And the lenses are powered by a tiny battery which retains enough charge to support the operation of the electronics for up to 3 days at a time without recharging thus providing a much more convenient means of vision correction .

These electronic lenses have led to the creation of a new category of optical technology which is being termed "Intelligent Eyewear" which many commentators believe could revolutionise the optical sector over the next five years. As a comparative reference, these new lenses are being seen as genuine game-changers for the sector in much the same way as the iPhone has revolutionised the mobile phone industry. However, whilst this significant technical advance does provide older people with a vision correction  choice which helps avoid needing additional pairs of glasses to address short and long distance requirements, it still leaves them dependent on wearing glasses. Hence why the option of trying overnight corrective contact lenses - and especially monovision  for older people who are both short-sighted and presbyopic - may offer a better alternative than even electronic glasses.

Check if you are suitable for ortho-k corrective contact lenses .