RESEARCHERS at Nottingham Trent University have created an artificial eye with a cosmetic pupil that can dilate and contract in response to light.
Currently, pupils in artificial eyes don't change size in different light unlike real eyes.
The Nottingham Trent prototype aims to solve the longstanding problem of eye loss victims having two different sized pupils at night or in bright sunshine.
The intention is to increase confidence in people who use prosthetic eyes by making their artificial eye as lifelike as possible.
The research has been overseen by Dr Philip Breedon, a reader in smart technologies at the university. It took 18 months, working with Nottingham-based firm John Pacey-Lowrie Ocular Prosthetics.
Now the prototype has been developed successfully, the university will undertake further research to miniaturise it to the size of a human eye.
Dr Breedon said: "This is a very exciting development which shows how the use of smart materials can potentially improve people's lives.
"There is a lot more work to be done, but we are very pleased with some of the initial results as they are very encouraging."
Stephen Shaw, 49, a civil service worker at Nottingham City Council, has a prosthetic eye. He said the new design would be great for him.
Mr Shaw, of Belper, said: "A lot of people don't realise that I have got an artificial eye. But in low light or bright light it's noticeable. It's also very noticeable in photographs because of the flash.
"Having the prosthetic eye has given me a lot more confidence in day to day life. But to have a pupil that can dilate and contract would be a huge leap forward. It would be a real confidence boost.
"For people who have suffered the loss of an eye like me, it would be a benefit that would manifest itself in many other areas of their lives, such as their personal relationships or professional relationships at work."
