'Autofocus' specs promise sharp vision, near or far

Autofocus glasses from Finnish start-up IXI look like regular specs but hide liquid-crystal lenses and an eye-tracker that shifts your prescription on the fly. Early prototypes were a bit hazy around the edges, but new versions promise smooth near-to-far focus, a two-day battery life and a design that doesn't scream “cyborg.” CEO Niko Eiden teases a launch later this year (and maybe a four-figure price tag) once they nail fit and consumer appeal.

They’re part of a booming eyewear-tech scene—from Adlens’ manual fluid-filled dials to honeycomb-ring lenses that slow children’s myopia. Optometrists see big convenience upside but worry about performance in safety-critical tasks like driving or surgery. Beyond autofocus, researchers are even chasing lenses that could not only halt but slightly reverse short-sightedness.