The Center for Data Innovation recently spoke with Emilia Helin, Product Director of IXI, a Finland-based company developing autofocusing eyeglasses. Helin explained how the glasses respond to eye movements and continuously adjust how the lenses focus in real-time, using built‑in sensors to shift between near and distant vision without fixed lens zones.
David Kertai: What does IXI offer?
Emilia Helin: We are developing autofocusing eyeglasses to replace traditional progressive lenses, which rely on fixed zones for near, intermediate, and distance vision and force wearers to look through specific parts of the lens to see clearly. Because these zones restrict the field of view and often create distortion, especially at their boundaries, many people struggle to adapt to them, often experiencing visual discomfort or feeling limited in how naturally they can move their eyes.
IXI removes the need for these fixed zones. Our glasses automatically adjust how the lenses focus. When you look at something far away, the lenses shift to provide clear distance vision; when you look at something close, they transition to near vision. Embedded electronics subtly change how light passes through the lenses, allowing the focus to update almost instantly. The frames look like normal eyewear, but the experience feels more natural because the lenses continuously adapt instead of locking you into preset segments.
Kertai: How does your eye-tracking technology work?
Helin: Our autofocusing system uses small sensors built into the inner edges of the frame, positioned to unobtrusively monitor natural eye movements throughout the day. When a user looks at something close, the eyes rotate slightly inward; when you shift your gaze to the distance, they move back toward a more parallel position. The sensors detect these subtle changes in eye alignment and use them to infer your focal distance.
Once the sensors capture this information, the glasses process it directly on the device. A small onboard processor interprets the eye‑movement data, determines where you’re focusing, and then signals the lenses to adjust how they bend light to bring that point into clarity. The lenses respond almost instantly, using thin, electronically controlled layers that adjust their optical shape to bring different distances into clear focus. Because all computation happens inside the glasses, the system doesn’t rely on an Internet connection and can react in real-time.
Kertai: How are the glasses adjusted to the user’s eyes?
Helin: Each pair of IXI glasses is tailored to the individual because everyone’s eyes and facial structure are different. During the fitting process—similar to getting traditional prescription eyewear—we measure the user’s prescription, the distance between their eyes, and key facial dimensions that affect how the frame sits. These measurements ensure the lenses align correctly with the user’s natural line of sight.
Once the physical fit is set, the glasses are set up to the user’s specific eye movements and focusing patterns. This step teaches the glasses how that person’s eyes behave when shifting between near and far distances, so the autofocusing response stays accurate and intuitive. The result is a personalized setup where the glasses feel natural from the moment the user puts them on and remain comfortable and responsive throughout the day.
Kertai: What challenges have you faced as an innovator?
Helin: Eyeglasses seem simple, but are incredibly demanding products: they have to look good, feel comfortable, and deliver clear vision all day to users. Adding advanced technology on top of that raises the bar even further. One of our biggest challenges has been designing frames that fit a wide range of people, since facial features vary so much in eye spacing, nose shape, and head size. At the same time, we’ve made strong progress in miniaturizing the technology. Our current prototypes weigh about 22 grams, which is comparable to standard eyewear and lighter than most smart glasses.
Another major challenge is ensuring the system performs reliably in real‑world conditions, while people move, change environments, and wear the glasses for long stretches of time. Continuous user testing has been essential. The feedback has been very encouraging: Many testers immediately grasp the benefit of autofocusing lenses, and that enthusiasm keeps us motivated, pushing us to innovate our glasses even further.
Kertai: What future innovations does IXI envision for its smart eyewear?
Helin: Looking ahead, we see opportunities for the glasses to adapt to more than just viewing distance, including changing visual conditions like low light or eye fatigue from extended screen use. We’re also exploring wellness features, where built‑in sensors could offer insights into eye behavior or general health without requiring an additional device. These ideas are still early, but they show how technology can evolve over time. Autofocusing lenses are just the starting point, with the long‑term vision being eyewear that actively supports visual comfort and overall well‑being throughout the day.
