Innovative Autofocusing Lenses Set to Transform Eyewear

In search of eyewear evolution at CES 2026

While a torrent of smart glasses and wearable technology sweeps through CES, the design of traditional eyewear has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The last notable shift was the introduction of progressive multifocals in the 1950s, which ingeniously combined lenses for near and distance vision. Recognizing this stagnation in innovation, IXI has embarked on a mission to revolutionize glasses.

In recent announcements, the startup introduced a lightweight prototype weighing just 22 grams (0.7 ounces). They have now unveiled functional lens prototypes in Las Vegas, pivotal elements of their game-changing autofocusing eyewear.

A New Solution for Age-Related Vision Changes

Designed specifically to address age-related farsightedness, which affects a significant portion of the population over 45, IXI’s glasses use a blend of eye-tracking technology that doesn’t rely on cameras alongside liquid crystal lenses that react automatically to changes in focus. This technology eliminates the need for bifocals or multifocals, as the lenses adjust prescriptions on their own. The frames, importantly, are both modern and understated, resembling regular glasses.

Understanding the Technology

CEO and co-founder Niko Eiden demonstrated the technology, which consists of two main elements. First, eye movements are tracked using a network of LEDs and photodiodes that encircle the lens edges. These LEDs project invisible infrared light onto the eyes, and reflections are analyzed to detect eye movements and how both eyes work together when viewing something nearby.

This infrared method, which operates on a mere few analog channels, significantly reduces power usage compared to camera-dependent systems that require high processing rates and numerous pixels. The comprehensive system observes not only eye movement but also blinking and where you look, all while using just 4 milliwatts of power.

Compact and Efficient Design

All essential components like memory, sensors, the eye tracker, and electronics are integrated into the frontal frame and adjacent arms of the glasses. The power source, akin to batteries used in AirPods, suggests the compactness of the setup. A port for charging is strategically placed at the hinge of the glasses’ arm, implying that they can't be used while recharging, though one full charge is expected to last a full day.

Prototype frames observed during the demonstration felt similar in weight to conventional thicker glasses. As primary prototypes, they blend well into a range of eyewear choices.

Attention to Comfort and Fit

The team at IXI has improved the design of nose pieces and arms to better fit various face shapes. During testing in the UK, they noted the distinctive features of British faces, a humorous observation coming from Eiden, a Finnish national.

A Glimpse into the Future of Eyewear

Eiden displayed some innovative prototype lenses, crafted from liquid crystal layers and an electrically conductive ITO layer. These lenses are impressively slim, and watching them shift almost immediately into corrective lenses was captivating, almost magical. This thinness allows them to integrate seamlessly into existing eyewear prescriptions and also offer astigmatism correction.

Autofocusing lenses could make obsolete multiple glasses like bifocals or progressives. Even if the glasses run out of power, they revert to normal prescription specs, sans the near-vision enhancement. IXI’s sensors could further monitor overall health, detect dry eyes, gauge focus levels, and even track posture and neck movements. They highlight that blinking patterns vary with levels of concentration or anxiety, data accessible via a dedicated app.

Striding Ahead to Launch

Future adaptations of this product might dynamically modify prescription strength throughout the day as eye strain varies. IXI is aligning necessary groundwork for these glasses to reach the consumer market, including obtaining medical approvals and organizing production. Partnering with Optiswiss, a Swiss lens manufacturer, they intend to position the glasses as a premium product available through opticians. The company targets a market release next year.