Refractify – Optical software against myopia
Last summer there was an Ask HN[1] about a Nature article that said bluring the blue and green color channels on screen may be good against early myopia development. The OP wanted such software and there was none available. So I quit my job and implemented this software, did a short video with a 3D artist about it. Turns out marketing is expensive, so I made an open source browser extension version too. How it works? There is a small neural network on the retina that tries to detect if the eye is far-sighted(most people are born far-sighted), and it is producing dopamine to slow or increase…
Refractify – Optical software against myopia launched on February 23, 2024 with 174 votes, #265 of 3,962 launches that month and more than 95% of that year's launches. The site was still online in September 2026, 2 years on.
In plain words
Refractify is optical software designed to help prevent myopia development by selectively blurring blue and green color channels on screens. Based on research suggesting this approach may slow nearsightedness progression in early development, the software uses a neural network model to detect refractive properties of the eye and adjust the display accordingly. It targets people concerned about myopia risk, particularly those doing extensive near-work on screens. The maker offers both a paid desktop version and a free open-source browser extension.
written from the facts on this page · September 2026
From the sources
Recent studies have demonstrated that Myopia(known as near-sightedness) which was previously believed to be a hereditary condition is partially caused by increased times spent indoors or working on a near-screen. [ 1 , 2 ] Researchers are beginning to understand the mechanism in the human eye that is causing the abnormal axial growth resulting in near-sightedness, and multiple non-invasive treatment/prevention methods have been proposed, including smart glasses and myopia control contact lenses . Refractify is the worlds first software to apply myopic defocus effect on the screen. Pre-clinical studies suggest that it may slow the progression of myopia or even prevent it. [ 3 , 4 ] This…from refractify.io
In the maker’s words, at launch
Last summer there was an Ask HN[1] about a Nature article that said bluring the blue and green color channels on screen may be good against early myopia development. The OP wanted such software and there was none available. So I quit my job and implemented this software, did a short video with a 3D artist about it.…
Does a similar job
all alternatives →
Eyesite – Experimental website combining computer vision and web design2025 · blog.andykhau.com · ▲138I wanted Apple Vision Pros, but I don’t have $3,500 in my back pocket. So I made Apple Vision Pros at home. This was just a fun little project I made. Currently, the website doesn't work on screens less than 1200x728 (Sorry mobile users!) It also might struggle on lower end devices. For best results, have a webcam pointing right at you. I tested my website with a MacBook camera. Any comments, questions, or suggestions are greatly appreciated! blog: https://blog.andykhau.com/blog/eyesite check it out: https://eyesite.andykhau.com/ github:…
EyesOff2025 · eyesoff.app · ▲184I built EyesOff after getting fed up with people glancing at my screen in coffee shops. I trained a, custom and small, neural network to detect when people look at your screen. Whenever more faces than your allowed threshold are looking at your screen an alert will show. The model being ran locally ensures all data stays on your device - no cloud processing. I would love feedback on the application and any features you think I should implement!
Clear Horizons Optometry2021 · clearhorizonsoptometry.com · ▲80Update your glasses and contact lens prescriptions from home
More ai this month
the category →
Paintings by AI models: programs run through a simulation of oil paint.
AI · 20d ago · stillwet.art
PixVerse R2▲381A real-time world model you can explore and change
AI · 28d ago · world.pixverse.video
Source: Show HN post ↗ · launch text quoted in part
Launched alongside, February 2024
the whole month →
MarketingIdeas.com▲1,230Never run out of marketing ideas ever again
Growth · 2024 · marketingideas.com
