Researchers Roth, Lundström, Kelber, Kröger, & Unsbo from Sweden have been studying the pupils and optical systems of the nocturnal Helmeted gecko (or Tarentola chazaliae). What they found may help to create better multi-optical contact lenses for human eyes as well as camera lenses. They have published their research in the journal of vision.
The Helmeted gecko, native to the west coast of Africa, has a very unique night vision system that allows them to see colours even at night. The key to this night vision has been shown to be a series of distinct concentric zones of different refractive powers. This multifocal optical system (light at different wavelengths is perceived simultaneously on the retina) is comprised of large cones and is more than 350 times more sensitive then humans. Unlike many vertebrates that have both cones and rods in the retina the Helmeted gecko, like other lizards, only have cones which are more sensitive to light.
Humans are only able to focus on one object at a time where as the helmet gecko can focus on a least two different object of similar distance. With the help of this research it is conceivable that in the future we may be able to produce a multi-focal contact lens.
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