Adaptive eyeglasses employ adlens lens technology. The lenses contain a flexible fluid-filled inner lens that changes curvature (and therefore magnification) depending on the amount of fluid inside the lens. The outer lenses are polycarbonate, durable and easy to clean.

To adjust the magnification, turn the adjuster knob. The pump adds or removes fluid from the inner lens, thereby changing the power. Once at the desired power, the user simply seals the lenses, removes the adjusters and walks away with a new pair of glasses.

Click here to see a video demonstration of our adaptive eyeglasses.

The Original AdSpec adjusters are for one-time use, after which the lenses are sealed and they are permanently removed. After removal, the glasses look essentially normal.

The Original AdSpecs are designed to be adjusted one time only. Adaptive Eyewear does not recommend that users keep the adjusters on and use them multiple times. The parts were not engineered for repeated use and may break or wear out as a result if used many times.

The Original AdSpecs have a spherical power range of -6:00 to +6:00 diopters. This range covers most people with near-sightedness (myopia), far-sightedness (hypermetropia) and also work as reading or computer glasses. They can compensate for mild astigmatism, but will not correct more serious astigmatism. Future versions will have a slightly smaller range.

Like all ordinary glasses, AdSpecs cannot treat any eye diseases, such as glaucoma, macular degeneration or cataracts. Anyone who thinks they have an eye disease should immediately consult a health professional.

Original AdSpecs have been in use in the field for over two years. The outer lenses are made of polycarbonate, which is highly durable and one of the materials used for plastic lenses in traditional glasses. However like all glasses care needs to be taken not to scratch the lenses by putting them face down on a dirty surface. They are supplied with a case to prevent this.

Due to the physics of fluid-filled lenses, the frames must be rounded to provide a predictable, clear image. There is flexibility in the frame colors, materials and sizes.

Eyeglasses are made to reach people who lack access to eye care services. By bringing basic correction to people outside of the system, the technology can serve as a portal to increase user interest and investment in their eye health and raise the likelihood that they will seek out professional care if needed.

Yes. If the adaptive eyeglasses fitting protocol is followed, users achieve results comparable to the spherical lens powers an eye care professional would prescribe. Please visit the Documents Library for more information.

The original AdSpecs have been deployed in a major adult literacy project in Ghana funded by the World Bank. Also in Ghana, Adaptive Eyewear is trialing sales of AdSpecs. They have also been deployed on humanitarian missions in Angola, the Republic of Georgia, Morocco, Niger and other African countries. AdSpecs have also been tested on a small scale in several countries, including Nepal, India, and Brazil.

Currently, we are developing a second generation model, which will be available in 2009. It will only be available in wholesale quantities to commercial and humanitarian entities in the developing world.