In a world buzzing with announcements of the latest AR/VR/XR smart glasses, the emphasis often lands on entertainment and gaming. However, a Brooklyn-based startup named Soliddd is stepping beyond the status quo, targeting a crucial and often overlooked segment of the population: individuals suffering from macular degeneration.

At the ongoing CES 2025 in Las Vegas, Soliddd is unveiling its innovative prototype—the SolidddVision glasses. This groundbreaking technology caters specifically to the nearly 13% of U.S. residents aged 40 and older who are grappling with this degenerative eye condition, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Soliddd's approach is unique. The company employs proprietary lens arrays that mimic the structure of a fly's eye. This design allows the glasses to project distinct images onto the undamaged regions of the retina, which facilitates the brain's natural ability to assemble these images into a coherent 3D picture. Essentially, users can expect a visual experience that closely resembles normal, clear vision—a potential game-changer for those affected by this debilitating condition.

While the current prototype doesn't quite match the sleek design that Soliddd envisions for the final product, the team is confident in its eventual appearance and feel as similar to traditional eyeglasses. This innovation addresses an important gap in accessibility-focused tech, an area that giants like Apple and Google have not yet fully explored.

With rigorous testing and clinical trials underway, Soliddd aims to bring these glasses to market within the next couple of years, potentially in 2025. Importantly, the startup anticipates that their product will not require FDA approval before it hits the shelves, which could expedite its release to those in desperate need of a solution.

As the market for smart glasses continues to evolve, Soliddd is shaping up to be a pioneer, igniting hope for millions eager for a brighter, clearer future. Keep an eye out; the evolution of smart glasses may just be about to take a meaningful turn!