New contact lenses that help you see in the dark, even with your eyes closed!

This children’s article, New contact lenses that help you see in the dark, even with your eyes closed!, has been written for native English speakers and learners of English as a second or foreign language. It helps children practise reading and comprehension, learn exciting science vocabulary, and explore how new inventions might change our future. Written by Mark Pulley, a teacher and writer who creates fun and informative news articles for English learners.

Superhero vision

Imagine being able to see in the dark, just like a superhero! Scientists in China have invented a new type of contact lens that lets people see infrared light, a kind of light that’s normally invisible to the human eye.

What is infrared light?

Infrared light is a type of light that we can’t see with our eyes, but we can feel it as heat. For example, when the sun warms your skin or when you feel heat from a fire, you’re feeling infrared light. Some animals, like snakes, can see it, and now, maybe humans can too!

How do the lenses work?

These new lenses are made with tiny things called nanoparticles. These nanoparticles can sense infrared light and turn it into visible light, the kind we can see. Night vision goggles already do something similar, but they are big, heavy, and mostly used by soldiers or characters in video games.

The cool thing about these new lenses is that they’re small and light, just like normal contact lenses. They’re so clever that they might even help you see with your eyes closed! That’s because infrared light can pass through your eyelids. You can’t see clearly with your eyes shut, but scientists say the lenses can still let in a little bit of light.

Who needs them?

These lenses could be very useful for soldiers who need to see in the dark or firefighters who have to move through smoke-filled rooms. They might also help people who are colour-blind by changing hard-to-see colours into ones that are easier to tell apart.

This amazing invention shows how science and technology can work together to help people see the world in exciting new ways. If you’re interested in learning more about different kinds of light, like infrared, check out this from the BBC.

Article vocabulary list

• Infrared light – A type of light we can’t see, but we can feel as heat
  
• Nanoparticles – Tiny pieces of material so small you can’t see them without special tools
  
• Night vision goggles – Special glasses that let people see in the dark
  
• Contact lenses – Thin, clear lenses worn directly on the eye to help people see better
  
• Colour-blind – When someone has trouble seeing certain colours, like red or green
  
• Visible light – The light we can see, like sunlight or light from a lamp
  
• Smoke-filled – Full of smoke, often making it hard to see

Comprehension questions

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