US – Innovation firm Betterlab has unveiled an eyewear innovation that aims to solve myopia, or near-sightedness, through the use of artificial light. Its technology uses a photoluminescent substance implanted in the edge of the eyewear’s frame, which is set to the ideal frequency of 480 nanometres (nm) wavelength light. This level of light has been shown to lower the abnormality that causes myopia.
By embedding light diffusion into the glasses, the innovation replicates the benefits of being in the sun even if wearers are indoors. Todd Bracher, founder of Betterlab, says: ‘Understanding that half of the global population will be myopic by 2050 and that with science applied effectively, we can avoid this epidemic, we sought an inspired, scalable method to resolve this concern.
With eye health becoming an increasing concern amid rising screen time, such innovations are becoming more commonplace as the Eyewear Market recognises its responsibility to provide wellbeing-led eyecare.
Strategic opportunity
The eyecare sector must continue to innovate to better serve the needs of global consumers. Consider how you can create more inclusive products that boast healthcare benefits