These lenses allow you to see in the dark even if you close your eyes, how is this possible?

Researchers have developed special lenses that allow you to see in the dark even with your eyes closed. A result worthy of a superpower, but one that can be explained.

Our vision is limited. Regardless of any vision problems, humans only see light between the wavelengths of 380 nanometers (violet) and 780 nanometers (red). Below this is called ultraviolet, and above this is called infrared. In both cases, we are unable to perceive them without the appropriate equipment. For example, thermal cameras, which capture the infrared radiation emitted by living beings based on their temperature.

A team of scientists has gone much further by developing contact lenses to see infrared light. By partnering with materials specialists, the researchers have managed to create a transparent lens, allowing them to be worn without hindering normal vision. Night vision directly on the eye is already impressive, but what's even more impressive is that it works better if you have your eyes closed.

Seeing in the dark with your eyes closed is possible with these new types of lenses

The lenses made by Tian Xue and his associates have already been tested on humans. The results published in the journal Cell are very encouraging. They are composed of nanoparticles that absorb infrared light and transform it into visible wavelengths. And it turns out that when participants close their eyes while in a room lit by ambient light (between 100 and 300 lux), their sensitivity to infrared is multiplied by 3.7.

The researchers found that infrared light penetrates the closed eyelid better because the interference caused by visible light is reduced. The necessary signals are therefore still sent to the brain, which ultimately allows us to see with our eyes closed.

Beyond the “super power” aspect, infrared vision lenses have very concrete potential applications. For example, they could be adapted to transmit real colors to people with color blindness. Tian Xue also imagines a use during certain rescue operations, or even a way to participate in the fight against counterfeiting.