Humans have poor vision in the dark because we lack the reflective, mirror-like layer behind the retina that enhances low-light vision in animals like cats, dogs and owls. To address this, night-vision goggles were invented. A new study in the journal Cell reports that Chinese scientists have developed contact lenses that enable people to see beyond the visible light range and perceive near-infrared light even in the dark.

The lenses were tested on mice and humans. Human participants were able to distinguish spatial details (shapes/locations), temporal information (flickering/movement) and multiple near-infrared colors (red, blue, green) simultaneously without the need for bulky powered equipment. This technology could be used in rescue missions, medical procedures, law enforcement and military operations.