Wink-controlled polarization-switched telescopic contact lenses

We describe a wink-controlled hands-free switching system for eye-borne telescopic vision, based on a previously tested fixed-magnification telescope embedded within scleral contact lenses. Here we integrate orthogonal polarizers into the contact lens covering the F/9.1 refractive 1x and F/9.6 catadioptric 2.8x vision paths, to allow switching via external liquid crystal shutters. We provide hands-free control by an infrared wink/blink monitor, using passive retroreflectors embedded within the contact lenses. We demonstrate system operation of the selfcontained switching eyewear and the modified contact lenses with a life-size human eye model with mechanical eyelids. (C) 2015 Optical Society of America