Smart contact lenses with augmented reality displays remain largely in development phases, with most commercial AR contact lenses still years away from consumer availability. While companies like Mojo Vision, Samsung, and Google have filed patents and conducted research, true AR-enabled contact lenses that overlay digital information directly onto your field of vision are not yet available for purchase.
However, several companies are making significant progress in developing this revolutionary technology. The concept promises to transform how we interact with digital information, offering hands-free access to notifications, navigation, health monitoring, and immersive experiences without the bulk of traditional AR glasses or headsets.
1. Mojo Vision Smart Contact Lens (In Development)
Mojo Vision leads the smart contact lens race with their prototype featuring a 14,000 pixel-per-inch micro-LED display. Their lens includes built-in wireless radios, motion sensors, and a custom ARM processor. The company has conducted successful human trials, demonstrating the ability to display basic text and graphics directly in the wearer’s field of vision.
The Mojo Lens aims to provide subtle notifications, fitness tracking, and navigation assistance without requiring users to look at external devices. While still in clinical trials, Mojo Vision represents the most advanced development in consumer-ready AR contact lenses, though commercial availability remains several years away.
2. Samsung Galaxy Smart Contact Lens (Patent Stage)
Samsung has filed multiple patents for smart contact lenses featuring built-in cameras, displays, and wireless connectivity. Their proposed design includes a tiny antenna for Bluetooth communication and the ability to capture photos or videos directly through the contact lens.
The Samsung concept integrates with Galaxy smartphones and other Samsung devices, potentially offering seamless connectivity across their ecosystem. However, this remains purely theoretical, with no working prototypes or announced development timeline from the company.
3. Google Smart Contact Lens Project (Discontinued)
Google previously developed smart contact lenses focused on health monitoring, particularly glucose level detection for diabetic patients. While the company discontinued this specific project, Google continues researching wearable technology and has filed patents for AR-enabled contact lenses.
Their research explored integrating tiny sensors and wireless transmitters into flexible contact lens materials. Although the original health-focused project ended, Google’s extensive AR experience with Glass and other projects positions them as a potential future player in AR contact lens development.
4. Sony Smart Contact Lens (Patent Filing)
Sony has filed patents for contact lenses capable of recording video, taking photos, and displaying information. Their proposed design includes piezoelectric sensors that convert eye movements into electrical energy to power the lens components.
The Sony concept features manual focus adjustment controlled by deliberate blinking patterns and storage capabilities for captured media. Like other entries on this list, Sony’s smart contact lens remains in the conceptual stage with no announced development timeline or working prototypes demonstrated publicly.
5. InWith Corporation Smart Contact Lenses
InWith Corporation focuses on developing smart contact lenses with health monitoring capabilities and basic display functions. Their approach emphasizes comfort and biocompatibility, using flexible electronics embedded within traditional hydrogel contact lens materials.
The company’s research includes glucose monitoring, intraocular pressure measurement for glaucoma patients, and simple notification displays. InWith has secured partnerships with eye care professionals and continues developing prototypes, though commercial products remain unavailable.
6. Innovega iOptik System (Semi-AR Solution)
Innovega offers a hybrid approach combining specialized contact lenses with lightweight eyewear for AR experiences. Their iOptik system uses contact lenses to enable simultaneous focus on both near-eye displays and distant objects, working alongside connected glasses for full AR functionality.
While not true standalone AR contact lenses, the iOptik system represents currently available technology that enhances AR experiences. The contact lenses themselves contain no electronics but enable the optical properties necessary for comfortable AR viewing through companion eyewear.
7. Interlenspix Smart Contact Lens Research
Various research institutions and startups, collectively represented by companies like Interlenspix, continue developing smart contact lens technologies. These efforts focus on integrating micro-displays, sensors, and wireless communication into biocompatible lens materials.
Research projects explore applications ranging from medical monitoring to entertainment and productivity enhancement. While specific companies and products in this space frequently change as research progresses, the collective effort represents ongoing advancement toward commercially viable smart contact lenses.
8. Future AR Contact Lens Concepts
Multiple technology giants including Apple, Microsoft, and Meta have filed patents or conducted research into AR contact lenses, though none have announced concrete product development plans. These concepts typically involve ultra-thin displays, biometric sensors, and wireless connectivity integrated into comfortable, daily-wear contact lenses.
The technical challenges remain significant, including power management, heat dissipation, biocompatibility, and manufacturing at scale. However, advances in flexible electronics, micro-displays, and wireless power transmission continue bringing AR contact lenses closer to reality.
Current smart home technology like smart thermostats with voice control demonstrates how seamlessly integrated technology can enhance daily life without intrusive interfaces. AR contact lenses promise to extend this concept further, providing information overlay without any visible hardware.
While true AR smart contact lenses remain in development, the rapid advancement in related technologies suggests consumer availability within the next decade. Early applications will likely focus on health monitoring and basic notifications before evolving into full AR experiences. For now, consumers interested in AR technology should consider established options like AR glasses or smartphone-based AR applications while monitoring developments in this exciting field.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are smart contact lenses with AR displays available for purchase?
No, true AR smart contact lenses are still in development phases and not yet available for consumers to buy.
Which company is closest to releasing AR contact lenses?
Mojo Vision appears closest with successful human trials of their prototype featuring micro-LED displays and sensors.
