As smart glasses become more accessible to individuals across industries and lifestyles, one big question keeps getting asked: is connected eyewear compatible with all prescription lenses? And are strong prescriptions suitable for smart glasses?
In this article, we explore how varifocal or high-prescription lenses can work with smart glasses, given the right lens material, technical understanding, and lens design. You need to consider both the optical requirements and technical performance to create the best smart glasses with strong prescription lenses.
Can Smart Glasses Be Made With Varifocal Lenses?
The simple answer is yes, varifocals in smart glasses are possible. However, this relies on various factors and considerations to ensure no compromises in the smart glasses tech or the prescription lens’s performance.
Smart frames naturally have thicker frames to house their electronics and must be in a specific position to project directly in front of the user. However, varifocals are designed to specific measures, helping wearers seamlessly switch focus from close-up to intermediate to distance. For the frame and lens to work simultaneously, we have to review:
- The weight of the lens and frames combined
- The thickness of the lens and how well it fits in the frame
- The fitting height for visual and display accuracy
- The usable viewing zones and peripheral distortion
- The position of the lens to fit around the built-in tech
Sometimes the prescription strength is incompatible with connected eyewear. This is why we check the requirements before reglazing any lenses to avoid disappointment. The good news is that in many cases, and with the right skills, it’s absolutely possible to design and fit varifocal frames into your smart glasses. It just needs careful planning during the early stages.
Strong and High Prescriptions in Smart Glasses
When we talk about strong or high prescriptions, we’re referring to prescriptions that require:
- A sphere power of +6.00 or above
- Multiple viewing distance corrections
- A high astigmatism correction
- A noticeably thicker lens
These types of lenses also affect the lens and how it sits in the frame. When crafting high prescription lenses, the lens thickness, edge profile weight and optical balance all come into play. This can then affect which type of frame best holds them. For smart glasses, we also have to consider the positioning, location, and weight of cameras, displays, microphones, and the tech within the frames.
This doesn’t mean high prescription smart glasses aren’t possible; they absolutely are! It just means the lens material and design matter so much more.
High-Index Lenses and Comfort Considerations
When smart eyewear already weighs more than a standard glasses frame, the type of lens you fit into it can have a big impact. Although leading brands such as Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta have factored comfort into their design, this is when high-index lenses have a huge advantage. High prescriptions often require thicker lenses, but this can be heavier and more uncomfortable.
By opting for a higher-indexed lens for your smart glasses, you can ensure a more snug fit in the frames and a more comfortable experience when wearing them. At Lensology, we focus on proper lens edging, accurate centring and careful fitting so you can wear your varifocal smart glasses for as long as needed.
Limitations, Trade-Offs, and What to Expect
Varifocal and strong prescription lenses can be quite complex. When combining them with the innovation of connective eyewear, there’s a lot to sync up. In some instances, compromises may need to be made, such as:
- Slightly reduced corridor width and peripheral zones
- Increased lens edge thickness, which may protrude from your frames
- Limited suitability in very shallow frames, as they cannot hold the lens
- Restricted frame choice for extreme prescriptions
This is why early assessment of your prescription is important. If we’re unable to design a suitable lens to meet your unique prescription, we’ll let you know before production begins and talk you through possible alternatives, such as opting for single vision lenses for a specific use or selecting occupational lenses for screen-focused use. Ultimately, it comes to how you want your smart glasses to work, and we can try to come up with a solution.
How Lensology Can Help
If you wear varifocals or have a strong prescription, there’s no need to assume prescription lenses for your smart glasses are off limits. Get in touch with our friendly team today. Based on your prescription, we can advise whether a bespoke smart lens is possible or what your options are. It’s important to remember that smart glasses aren’t just about the tech; they also need to work effectively as glasses.
Explore suitable lens options for your smart eyewear with Lensology, and discover how modern lenses can support both your vision and your technology.
