IXI's Autofocus Glasses Near Launch, Poised to Revolutionize Vision Correction | Quick Digest
Finnish startup IXI is close to launching autofocusing glasses designed to replace multifocal lenses. Backed by Amazon, the smart eyewear uses eye-tracking and liquid crystals for real-time focus adjustment, targeting age-related farsightedness in a lightweight design.
IXI's autofocus glasses are in final development stages, aiming for 2027 launch.
They use cameraless eye-tracking and liquid crystal lenses for automatic focus adjustment.
The glasses are designed to replace multifocal and progressive lenses for presbyopia.
Backed by Amazon and other investors, IXI has raised over $40 million in funding.
Prototypes are lightweight (22g) and resemble regular eyewear, not bulky smart glasses.
Initial launch is expected in Europe, with US availability pending FDA approval.
Finnish startup IXI is on the cusp of launching its innovative autofocusing glasses, which are designed to offer a modern alternative to traditional multifocal and progressive lenses. The company showcased working prototypes at CES 2026 and aims for a commercial launch by early 2027, initially in Europe, with U.S. availability contingent on FDA approval.
These smart glasses tackle presbyopia, or age-related farsightedness, a common condition affecting most people over 45. Unlike conventional corrective eyewear that relies on fixed lens zones or requires head tilting, IXI's technology integrates cameraless eye-tracking sensors with liquid crystal lenses. These lenses dynamically adjust their optical power in real-time based on the wearer's gaze, seamlessly shifting focus between near and far objects.
A key design philosophy for IXI has been to make the glasses lightweight—around 22 grams for a prototype frame—and visually indistinguishable from regular spectacles, avoiding the bulky appearance often associated with other smart eyewear. The company has secured significant backing, raising over $40 million in funding from investors including Amazon's Alexa Fund, underscoring strong confidence from major tech players.
While the technology promises a natural and effortless viewing experience, some reports indicate that the glasses will be positioned as a premium product and require daily charging. There may also be slight distortion at the edges where the liquid crystal elements meet the traditional lens. Nevertheless, the development represents a significant leap in vision correction, with manufacturing components sourced from Finland, frames hand-finished in Italy, and partnerships with Swiss lens makers like Optiswiss.
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