TruFocals Adjustable Eye Glasses Headed to Space, and Beyond!

Since the start of the space program, there has been a slow shift from hiring hot-shot jockish astronauts to the more gadget friendly science-trained mission specialist. Associated with this space nerdification is an increased prevalence of presbyopia, a condition which makes it difficult to focus on near objects. Not to mention presbyopia is exacerbated in a micro-gravity environment.
We reported on Zoom Focus Eyewear’s Adjustable TruFocals in 2009. A slider in the middle of the glasses adjusts the focal strength of the glasses by altering the shape of a liquid membrane underlying the standard prescription lenses. NASA is testing these glasses up in the Space Station to evaluate how they work in microgravity and to see if it offers an optimum solution to the space presbyopia problem. It also is much cheaper than having to have an on call space optometrist.
Source at Scientific American…