Spiral-shaped lens could advance CL technology

Researchers in France have developed a spiral-shaped lens that maintains focus at different distances in varying light conditions, which could advance contact lens technologies, intraocular implants for cataracts and compact imaging systems.

‘Unlike existing multifocal lenses, our lens performs well under a wide range of light conditions and maintains multifocality regardless of the size of the pupil,’ said Bertrand Simon from the photonics, numerical and nanosciences laboratory, a research unit between the Institut d’Optique graduate school, the University of Bordeaux and CNRS in France.

According to the research, published in Optica, the spiralling features of the lens created many separate points of focus, much like having multiple lenses in one, making it possible to see clearly at various distances.