Bionic Eyes: Engineers Create Contact Lenses With Integrated Circuitry (PHOTOS)

Engineers at the University of Washington have developed contact lenses with integrated circuitry. This achievement could lay the groundwork for the "bionic eye," and another element of science fiction will join the ranks of simple science:

According to Government Technology, engineers at the University of Washington have developed contact lenses with integrated circuitry. Although the lenses have only been tested on animals, researchers are working on having electronic lenses overlay a display over a person's visual field without impairing sight. Researchers hope that the lenses, once completed, will allow users to zoom in on distant objects and see useful facts. Future applications might allow drivers and pilots to see their direction and speed projected across their view or to surf the Web without a monitor. The circuit components would be powered by integrated solar cells and a wireless radio-frequency receiver.

Photos from Government Technology.