Timetable icon Self-scheduling is currently available for select locations!

Google’s New Patent Could Change the Way You Wear Glasses

February 25, 2016

Two letters. Eleven digits. Thirteen characters. One big idea.

If you have ever worn eyeglasses for any amount of time, you probably have intimate knowledge of the shortcomings of the experience. The smudged lenses. The greasy bridge. The inevitable scratches. The endless need to push them up as they continually slip down your nose, over and over and over again… while it can be stylish, wearing glasses can also be a bit of an inconvenience.

If you think so, I have your new favorite number: US009128283B1. It’s the number assigned to Google’s newest patent, which is meant to fix one of the worst parts of the eyeglass-wearing experience, glasses creep.

Yup, everyone’s favorite tech giant has thrown its hat further into the arena of eyewear. You’ve probably heard of its (admittedly not-so-popular) invention, Google Glass. The futuristic half-glasses include a camera, super-slim display, and touchpad to integrate online applications and data capture and sharing into daily life. Glass just ended its open Beta testing and is currently being redesigned before another round of trials.

The new patent, which was awarded to Google on September 8, involves building motors into wearable technologies like Google Glass to automatically tighten or loosen glasses’ stems based on what you’re doing. That means that if you’re doing some heavy physical work—say, running a marathon, taking a brisk hike down the New Jersey coast or headbanging at a concert—the glasses could detect that you’re bobbing your head and then will spring into action to activate the motors and tighten onto your head.

The next iteration of Google Glass isn’t set to release until next year, and there is absolutely zero guarantee that Google will integrate this new patent into its new update. Still, for anyone who’s tired of glasses creep (or just that little old lady look), this could be a full-on game-changer. If widely adopted past only so-called “smart” technology, all glasses could automatically adjust to the wearer’s head, and every pair could fit properly. Many athletes choose to get LASIK or LASEK surgery rather than deal with the possibility of their glasses falling off or breaking during a crucial play.

Still, there are some perks to having a corrective eye procedure done over wearing glasses, like the aforementioned greasy smudges, scratches, and grime that accumulate on them. LASIK can also correct and improve any vision problems for the long term, which is great for anyone tired of the annoyances that glasses can bring.

Dr. Silverman has started his own program, LASIK for the Gold, as a way to support members of the athletic community who wanted to upgrade their vision and improve their performance. The first athlete to participate was 2008 Olympic Bronze medalist and BMX rider Jill Kintner.

“I am so glad I did this,” Kintner said. “Seriously, worth every bit of the emotion and fear. No more contacts, no more annoyingness!”

If you want to consider your next options for trendy glasses or corrective LASIK surgery, contact us at OCLI for a free consultation.

Back to our blog

Services offered at OCLI

Our world-class team of professionals at OCLI can help you with the latest treatment options for you.

Schedule an appointment

Are you a new patient? *