Google Wants to Inject Cyborg Lenses into Our Eyeballs

The New 20/20 Vision

Google has been applying for some innovative patents over the past week, and the latest tech is immersive, to say the least. In truth, this newest tech goes far beyond Google Glass. The patent would allow the company to inject a computerized lens directly into your eyeball.

Did anyone else just cringe?

In the patent application, which was approved by the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office last week, Google detailed the insertion process. The lens of your eye is removed, fluid is injected into your empty lens capsule, then finally an electronic lens is placed in the fluid.

Invasive or Innovative?

There's obviously some controversy over whether this idea is a great idea, or just a little too, well, Frankenstein-esque.

Pros: You now have cyborg lenses in your eyes. You'll have 20/20 vision for life (better than that, actually). Your eyes can function as a telescope, microscope, camera, and video recording devices. The lenses could be powered by the movement of your eyeball, and they could even connect to a nearby wireless device.

Google says that its patented lenses could be used to cure presbyopia, an age-related condition in which people's eyes stiffen and their ability to focus is diminished or lost. It could also correct common eye problems, such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism.

Cons: Privacy. Transmitting a constant stream of data that includes everything you're seeing (your pin number, your social security number, your reflection in the mirror after exiting the shower) could cause some issues. Hackers would have a field day. Google did say, though, that it could make the mechanical lenses strip out personally identifying information so that your information stays secure.

It is worth noting that, just because Google is filing a patent for a new invention, that doesn't mean it will be created. Tech companies file patents all the time, and not everything ends up getting made. Until more information is released, we'll be scouring the internet with our normal, boring eyes, waiting for an update.