Over the last couple of years, vision improvement technology has made huge leaps and bounds, making it easier than ever for people in the developing world, the aging boomer population, caretakers and doctors to assess and monitor health. For example, phone apps like Peek and Netra, as well as web-based apps like Opternative make it possible for the average person to attain legally approved eye prescriptions without the use of any kind of fancy equipment.
Beyond wearable vision-improving glasses and contact lenses, technology like TVs and monitors are being designed to preemptively combat the potential for eye strain by responding to the needs of your individual pupils or prescription. Technology like this shows a shift towards prevention rather than fixing what's already broken.
19 Vision Improvement Innovations
19
Eye-Scanning Apps
The 'Peek' App Works as an Optometrist to Diagnose Eye Ailments
18
Vision Loss Apps
The Retina App Lets Users Experience the World of Blindness
17
Hi-Tech Vision-Correcting Gadgets
Google X's Smart Contact Lens is Designed for Diabetes Patients
16
Sightless Shopping Assistants
The See by Dinard da Mata Gives the Blind Eyes to Help them Shop
15
Tactile Sight Devices
The Braille Contact Lens by Bar Ilan University Gives Sight to the Blind
14
Eye-Testing Glasses
Hiroshi Sugimoto Harnesses Optical Testing for Selima Optique
13
Online Optometry Tests
Opternative Offers Accessible & Affordable Medical-Grade Online Eye Exams
12
Sight-Preserving Screens
The EyeSafety Zone TV Encourages Kids to Watch From a Suitable Distance
11
Obstacle-Detecting Eyewear
Sens'it'ive Glasses Enhance the Blind's Perception of Surroundings
10
Focus-Changing Glasses
Eyejusters Adjustable Readers Help Vision Needs of Developing World
9
Glowing Robot Eye Injections
Bradley Nelson Created a New Technology That May Save Your Eyesight
8
Near-Sighted Lecture Tech
Note-Taker Enables Low Vision Students to See the Blackboard
7
Techy Transformative Specs
These Adjustable Reading Glasses are Cleverly Customizable
6
Corrective Ocular Implants (UPDATED)
The Telescopic Eye Implant Reduces Age-Related Vision Loss
5
Telescopic Contact Lenses
Contact Lenses That Allow you to Zoom in on Life
4
Eyesight-Adjusting Screens
Punch in Your Prescription and Let the i-Free Adjust to Your Eyesight
3
Autofocusing Spectacles
NASA Provides the Superfocus Glasses to Aging Astronauts
2
Comfortably Chic Specs
The JINS Moisture Glasses Protects Your Eyes From Dryness
1
Sight-enabling Implants
The Alpha IMS Device Enables Blind Patients to See Once More
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DIY Magnetic Sunglasses
The Brit & Co. Blog Shows How to Make Fashionable Eyewear
Retro Aluminum Shades
Aluminium Adds a Modern Twist to the Classic Ray-Ban Clubmaster Sunglasses
Cosplay-Inspired Contacts
Finish Off Your Costume with Movie and Anime Halloween Contact Lenses
Optical Illusion Lip Art
Sandra Holmbom Creates a Very Eerie Lip Makeup Art Piece
Chic Shade Campaigns
The Chanel Prestige Eyewear AW11 Ads Star Claudia Schiffer
Multi-Tech Car Chargers
This In-Car iPad Charger Stays Put in Your Cup Holder
Washed-Out Sunglasses Lookbooks
The Karen Walker 2011 Eyewear Line Features All Shapes and Sizes
Eclectic-Tech Integrated Hotels
The Ushuaia Ibiza Beach Hotel has Artfully Eclectic Interiors
Tropical Cuban Hipster Eyewear
SUPER Flat Top Havana Sunglasses Brings the Vacation Home
Color-Changing Eye Procedures
Dr. Gregg Homer Can Turn Brown Eyes to Blue
Surreal Monochromatic Captures
This Surreal Double Magazine Editorial Uses Fake Limbs and Props
Sensational Tactile Timepieces
The Rub. Feel. Know Watch Gives You a Sense of the Hour
Dramatic Seaside Sunnies
The 'Eva by David K. Shields' Shoot Expresses Coastal Fashion
Sight-Testing Stockings
Eye Exam Chart Printed Tights Will Have Passers-by Looking Twice
Super Thrifty Sunnies
The Madewell Sunglasses Line Features Affordably Stylish Shades
Film and Flame Electronics
The Loewe MCZ Scenario Combines Your TV and Fireplace
Eye-Scanning Apps
The 'Peek' App Works as an Optometrist to Diagnose Eye Ailments
Augmented Reality Lenses
Innovega iOptik Contacts Will Let You See Multiple Images
Art Deco Designer Eyewear
The Oliver Peoples Vintage Glasses Pay Homage to the Past
Palm-Placed Navigators
The Munivo Guide for the Blind Communicates Through Touch
Color-Enhancing Sunglasses
EnChroma Sunglasses are the First Lenses That Don't Block Color
Retro Baseball-Inspired Frames
The Oliver Peoples O Malley Sunglasses Take You Back to the 60s
Translating Beer Apps
The 'Pivo' App Helps You Order Beer No Matter Where You Are
Interactive Pixel Installations
'IRIS' by HYBE Studio Imitates the Movement of Visitors
Sensory-Satisfying Travel Apps
Jamie Munro Discusses the Best Travel Apps to Use Around the World
Hi-Tech Vision-Correcting Gadgets
Google X's Smart Contact Lens is Designed for Diabetes Patients
Hardcore Logo Redesigns
Christophe Szpajdel Re-Imagines Big Brands to Resemble Metal Band Logos
Multi-Tablet Charging Devices
This Charging Dock Can Handle Ten iPads at a Time
Overlapping Ombre Sunglasses
The ‘Eclipse’ Collection of Unique Sunglasses is Fun and Different
Eco-Chic Bamboo Shades
Every Pair of GROWN Sunglasses Sold Helps Support the Gift of Sight
Blind Spot Eliminators
The A Plus Pillar Displays Surroundings in Real-Time in the Front Beams
Exercise Shaming Apps
The Gym Shamer Apps Keeps Users Looking Good
Sightless Shopping Assistants
The See by Dinard da Mata Gives the Blind Eyes to Help them Shop
Web-Surfing Windows
Samsung 'Smart Window' is Touchable and Transparent at CES 2012
Temperature Time-Tellers
Jung Hoon Lee's Rub Feel Know Watch is for the Visually Impaired
Rolling Braille Readers
Wonkook Lee's Snail Reader Revolutionizes Reading
Baseball-Inspired Sunglasses
Start the 2014 MLB Season with These Louisville Slugger Shades
Body-Syncing Music Apps
The BioBeats 'Pulse' App Reads Your Heart Rate to Tailor Custom Tracks
Vivid Eyewear Editorials
The Heather Marks Dare to Kill Magazine Spread Uses Bold Accessories
Chic Bamboozled Shades
Waiting for the Sun 'LA Une' Sunglasses are Artistically Whittled
Bold Recycled Vinyl Glasses
Vinylize is a Complete Vinyl Reclamation Project
Workshop Savvy Eyewear
Sukjin Moon Reworks Leather Offcuts Into Durable Fashionable Frames
Transport-Savvy Braille Watches
'Metro Dot' Helps the Visually Impaired Ride the Subway with Ease
Smartphone-Inspired Televisions
The Philips VinTV Looks Like a Magnified iPhone on a Tripod
Colorful Sun-Blocking Contacts
Marietta's Sports Contact Lenses Are Like Tinted Sunglasses
Crescent-Shaped Specs
This Esotika Eyewear Campaign Introduces Curved Spectacles
Hi-Tech Aussie Accommodations
The Darling Hotel is First to Use Control 4 Settings in Australia
Cyborg Circuit Implants
John Rogers' Skin Circuit Technology is the Rub-On Tattoo of the Future
Interactive Social Video Apps
The MixBit App Can Record, Share and Mix Videos for Sharing Online
Delightful Daisy Sunglasses
The Mercura NYC Shades are All Flowers
Energy-Converting Receptacles
The Revive Makes Food Waste Recycling Practical and Functional
Virtual Eyewear Apps
The Swarovski BE AMAZING Campaign Puts Users in the Spotlight
Cosmetics-Inspired Gadgets
Embrace Your Girly Side and Store Data on the USB Lipstick Flash Drive
Device-Charging Solar Backpacks
The ‘Birksun Levels’ Solar Backpack Charges Gadgets on
Delicate Designer Sunnies
The Dolce & Gabbana Lace Collection Incorporates the Brand's Trademark
Sight-Impaired Simulating Projects
YouAreBlind.Com Challenged Creative Teams to Lose Their Vision
Majestic Forest Digital Photography
Photographer Kilian Schönberger Creates Stunning Landscap
Forest-Saving Sunglasses
Modo Eyewear Plants A Tree For Every Pair Sold
Virtual Boat Sailing Glasses
The Afterguard HUD Lets Sailors React in Record Time
Assistive Listening Spectacles
Himri Glasses Make Sounds Visible to Users with Hearing Impairments
Romantic Eye Exams
Tile Pendant Jewelry Creates Lovey-Dovey Eye Charts
$75,000 Luxury Sunglasses
The CliC-Gold 18K Eyewear Act as More of a Lavish Accessory
Social Road Trip Apps
The 'SmileDrive' App Integrates Social Media with Road Trips
Swapable Hipster Shades
The Elizabeth and James Melrose Sunglasses are Smart and Snappy
Location-Mapping Virtual Games
This Virtual Game Helps the Visually Impaired Experience Seeing
Visually Impaired Eyewear
The Navigation Blind Sunglasses Help Guide the Handicap
Tactile Page Printers
The Sim Cheong Printer & Scanner Makes Documents More Accessible
Futuristic Tassel Shades
These Gasoline Glamour Sunglasses Will Make Sure You Own at Life
Blind Guide Bracelets
Project Bee Navigator Affords the Visually Impaired Independence
Gut-Zapping Gadgets
The Intrapace Abiliti Shocks Your Stomach so You Stop Eating
Health-Sensing Eyewear
O2Amps Glasses Can Help Doctors Assess Oxygen Levels in Blood
Biodegradable Luxury Lenses
These Gucci 'Liquid Wood' Sunglasses are Unexpectedly Eco-Friendly
Designer Insect Eyewear
These Floral Sunglasses Will Get People Buzzing for Spring
Superman Shades
The ACNE Sigmund Sunglasses 2012 are a Heroic Purchase
Immersive Animation Apps
The 'Disney Animated' App Lets Users Create Their Own Animations
Relationship-Mending Apps
The 'MakeupText' App is for People Who Regret Sending Break-up Texts
Glasses-Free 3D Tablets
This 3D Tablet by Hammacher Schlemmer Doesn’t Need Glasses
Cloaked Hearing Test Campaigns
This Fake Eye Exam is Actually a Hearing Test in Disguise
Tiny Adhesive Flashlights
The Thumb-Lite is Small Yet Super Bright
Color-Changing Contact Lenses
'Eye Candy for Diabetics' May Eliminate Using Needles
Wearable Display Glasses
The Olympus MEG 4.0 Glasses are Bluetooth Enabled
Glucose-Communicating Contacts
Microsoft and Washington University Develop Blood Sugar Contacts
Star Contact Lenses
People Can Channel Their Inner Fantasy Character with These Lenses
Silly Status Generating Sites
What Would I Say Creates Personalized Nonsense Facebook Updates
Round Cat-Eye Shades
The Liberty X SUPER Lucia Sunglasses Give Classic Shapes Hipster Cred
Line-Drawing Eyeglasses
The Ksubi Eyewear Sigma Frames Appear Almost Two-Dimensional
Email-Projecting Eyes
The Bionic Lenses by University of Washington are a Powerful Prototype
Flighty Blind Dates
The Air New Zealand Blind Gate Promotes the Airline's 'Cuddle Class'
Peeking Pinot Branding
El Espia Wine Packaging is Veiled in Mystery
Hygienic Optic Applicators
The Contact Lens Helper Streamlines and Sanitizes the Insertion Process
Motion Sensor Walkers
The Light Stick Helps the Blind
GPS Headphones
These Headphones Give Users Directions on the Go
Mini Photography Studio Apps
This Moleskine Notebook Turns into a Tiny Photography App
Wearable Visual Guides
'GIST' is a Guide for the Visually Impaired
Opulent Portable Chargers
The Breathe Luxury Charger is Finely Crafted to Stylishly Provide Energy
Matrix-Like Brain Implants
Tel Aviv University Creates a Digital Cerebellum for Animals
Video-Enabled Nursery Cams
The Motorola MBP30L Baby Monitor Keeps an Eye on Your Infant
Key-Sized Gadget Connectors
The Tiny Kii Device Power Charger is Convenient to Carry Around
Virtual Reality Sight-Improving Glasses
Intelligent Goggles Help the Visually Impaired Navigate
Corrective Ocular Implants (UPDATED)
The Telescopic Eye Implant Reduces Age-Related Vision Loss
Pocket-Concealing Hosiery
These Pocket Socks are Perfect for Hiding Important Monetary Items
Dictatorial Energy Systems
The Valta Energy Management System Gives You Complete Energy Control
3D Gadget Add-Ons
The Pic3D Transforms 2D LCD Screens Easily to 3D Imaging Glasses-Free
Braille-Reading Implants
The Modified Argus II Eye Prothesis Helps People Read Braille with Eyes
Contract-Magnifying Eyewear Ads
The Visionlab Prescription Glasses Campaign Hones in on Fine Print
Feline Weather Forecast Apps
The 'Weather Kitty' App Uses Kitties to Illustrate Daily Forecasts
Magnifying Eye Surgeries
The Implantable Miniature Telescope Gives Sight to Blind Patients
Iconic Feline LCD TVs
Watch Your Favorite Shows on the Hello Kitty LCD TV
High Tech Contact Lenses
The Ghent University Eyewear Works with LCD Displays
Color Blindness Eyewear
The EnChroma Glasses Have Special Lenses that Correct Color Vision
Braille Blood Pressure Bands
The Tensio Blood Pressure Monitor Helps the Blind Stay Healthy
Auto Rear-Reflecting Projectors
Optical Camouflage Technology Reflects Hidden Spots While Driving
Sight-enabling Implants
The Alpha IMS Device Enables Blind Patients to See Once More
Posture-Minding Monitors
The Philips Ergosensor Reminds Users to Sit Up Straighter at Their Desks
Distracting Drinkware Collections
Losing Your Marbles Keeps You Occupied While Inebriated
3D-Cancelling Specs
These 2D Glasses Save You From Headaches
Music-Magnifying Masks
The Corly Bedacht Musicmask Enhances Your Listening by Stealing Your Sight
Oral Oenophile Implants
The Wine-Tasting E-Tongue Boasts a Supremely Sensitive Palate
Customizable Hipster Eyewear
The Ray Ban Remix Lets Shoppers Customize Their Glasses
Techie Temperature Controllers
The Smart Si Thermostat is WiFi Enabled and iDevice-Friendly
Modernly Manual Perpetual Calendars
This Calendar Will Be the Only One You Will Ever Need
Socially Skilled Specs
Decipher Facial Expressions With These Social X-Ray Glasses