Most people over 40 seem to progressively lose their ability to read without the use of glasses. Most experts believe that this is related to a hardening of the lens of the eye. Researchers have now developed a gel-like material that could eventually replace the need for reading glasses.
The material, which is currently in lab testing, is a hydrophobically modified hydrogel. Hydrogels are used in many extended-wear contact lenses. The gels can be made soft to the touch and have viscoelastic properties similar to that of the natural human lens. However, don't throw your reading glasses away anytime soon as there are still many years of further research and development before this product is brought to market.
226th national meeting of the American Chemical Society September 8, 2003