The IXI’s autofocusing lenses are almost perfect for replacing most glasses

While waves of smart glasses and wearables are crashing on the shores of CES, traditional glasses haven’t changed much over the centuries we’ve been using them. The last innovation, arguably, was the progressive multifocals that fit close to the far-sighted lenses – and that was back in the 1950s. It makes sense that auto focus glasses maker IXI thinks it’s time to modernize the glasses.

After announcing a 22-gram (0.7-ounce) prototype frame, the startup is here in Las Vegas to show off the active lenses, the main component of its autofocus glasses, which could change the game.

IXI glasses are designed for age-related farsightedness, a condition that affects many, if not most people over the age of 45. They include camera-free eye tracking and liquid crystal lenses that automatically activate when the glasses detect the user’s focus. This means that, instead of having two separate prescriptions, like multifocal or bifocal lenses, IXI lenses change automatically between each prescription. Importantly – like most modern glasses – the frames themselves are lightweight and look just like any other regular mirror.

With a line of prototype frames and lenses placed in front of him, CEO and founder Niko Eiden explained the technology, which can be divided into two parts. First, the IXI glasses track your eye movements using a system of LEDs and photodiodes, which are dotted around the edges of where the lenses sit. LEDs bounce invisible infrared light off the eyes and measure the light, detecting subtle movements of your eye and how both eyes meet when focusing on something close.

Using infrared and “a number of analog channels” takes much less power than the millions of pixels and 60 times per second processing required by camera-based systems. The IXI system not only tracks eye movements, but also blinks and gaze direction, while consuming only 4 milliwatts of power.

Most of the technology, including memory, sensors, driving electronics and an eye tracker, is on the front of the glasses and the part of the arms closest to the hinge. The IXI prototype apparently uses batteries similar in size to those found in AirPods, which gives some sense of the size and weight of the technology being used. The charging port is integrated with the hinge on the left arm of the glasses. Naturally, this means that they cannot be worn while charging. IXI says that one charge should cover a whole day’s use.

The prototype frames I saw this week look to be about the same weight as my usual chunky specs. And while this is an early iteration, the original IXI frames wouldn’t look out of place on a list of spec options.

The team also refined the nose pieces and arms of the glasses to accommodate different facial shapes. Apparently, when the test was extended from Finland to the UK, the face of Britain “became… different.” It’s a little harsh when you talk to me, Brit.

Eiden released prototype lenses, made of layers of liquid crystal and a transparent layer of ITO (indium tin oxide). The compound is still incredibly thin, and it was amazing to watch the layers transform almost instantly into a prescription lens. It seemed almost magical. Being so thin, it can easily be integrated into lenses with existing prescriptions. It can also provide cylindrical correction for astigmatism as well.

Autofocus lenses can eliminate the need for multiple pairs of glasses, such as bifocals and progressives. Even if the glasses were to lose power, they would still work as a traditional pair of glasses with your regular prescription, they just lack the improvement in near vision. The sensitivity of the IXI sensor can also provide insight into other health conditions, detecting dry eyes, measuring attention and, by tracking where you look, even posture and neck movement. According to Eiden, the rate of blinking changes with concentration, daydreaming and anxiety, all of which generate data that can be displayed in the corresponding app.

Predictably, the product may be able to dynamically adapt to prescriptions, going beyond the simple vision correction of Gen 1. For example, it could provide stronger corrections as your eyes get tired throughout the day.

IXI seems to be putting the pieces in place to make these mirrors a reality. It still needs to get the necessary medical certificates to sell its glasses and get all the production pieces in place. It has already partnered with Swiss lens-maker Optiswiss in production. Eiden says the final product will be positioned as a high-end luxury eyewear option, sold through existing opticians. The company hopes to finally launch its first pair sometime next year.