The idea is for a contact lens that holds small amounts of chemicals that when combined produce light. (Like the popular Glow Sticks) Each chemical would be separated by a thin membrane inside the lens that when bent or rubbed would separate allowing the chemicals to mix. The reaction would be limited to the iris to cut down on the amount of light the wearer sees. Because of the small quantity of chemicals allowed the lenses wouldn't last more than a few hours. Due to the increased thickness from standard lenses some may experience discomfort. (When has fashion and comfort gone hand-in-hand) Lenses can come in prescription or standard variety.-- joneseatworld, Aug 11 2009 Nice [+]
You could put silvering on the back of the lens (in contact with the cornea) to further limit light entering the pupil.-- 8th of 7, Aug 11 2009 I don't think it's wise to put a thin container of peroxide or phenol into one's eye, not to mention broken glass. Unless you're intending a fundamental redesign of the glow stick process, this is extremely unsafe.-- tatterdemalion, Aug 11 2009 Wise? No.Cool? Yes.-- 2 fries shy of a happy meal, Aug 11 2009 I agree, not a new idea.
What we need is a way to wear flashlights in your eyes - contacts that double as night vision goggles. Glowing is optional.-- DIYMatt, Aug 11 2009 That the barrier between the chemicals would not be glass is a given. I was thinking more along the lines of a flexible membrane that would tear from the side of the inner lens when bent or rubbed hard.(Maybe even a hard blink, for a cool effect) As for the chemicals, yeah we are stuck with the ones [tatterdemalion] mentioned. But after searching around I found that besides some redness and stinging it shouldn't cause too many problems.
No, glowing contacts are not new but this method is. Glow-in-the-dark variety are everywhere. The problem with glow-in-the-dark is you need a light source to "charge" them up. (Or a UV/blacklight) With this idea the chemical reaction produces the light. Lasts much longer without need of external light. The light from the chemical reaction also shines more brilliantly than glow-in-the-dark.-- joneseatworld, Aug 11 2009 "The light that burns twice as bright burns half as long ..... and you have burned so very, very brightly, Roy."-- 8th of 7, Aug 12 2009 random, halfbakery