Photo: Chris Rohrer / Garden and the Spanish Gateway
RESEARCH

Simple Natural Patterns Inspiring Eye Innovations

The glass wing butterfly uses the best form of camouflage to hide from predators – transparent wings. Micro-patterns of curved bumps that allow light to pass straight through instead of being reflected back.

Scientists have been inspired by this simple pattern phenomenon when working to improve membranes of implants used to measure and treat 
glaucoma –  a group of eye diseases that damage the optic nerve, causes irreversible blindness. The innovative material, inspired by the butterfly wing, now allows doctors and patients to much more easily see where dangerous build ups of pressure are occurring in the eye in order to take medication at the appropriate time.

Nature is often the best designer, and even in this modern age, many scientists still look to the natural world to help them innovate…