Since the release of virtual reality headsets in 2016, they have become increasingly popular. This technology was in existence before 2016. However, it has become more easily accessible and popular since then. Virtual reality (VR) has been a fun technology to use, and many people do not want to be left out, making many people wonder: can I play VR if I wear glasses?
While it is innovative and entertaining, VR has been an issue for those wearing glasses. Virtual reality headsets have support straps that sit around the head and on the temples. So wearing the device when you are wearing glasses can be a bit uncomfortable.
Many glasses-wearers also complain of pain and headaches when using VR headsets. Fortunately, there is a way around the discomfort of wearing VR headsets and glasses. Sometimes, you might not need to wear glasses, depending on your prescription.
Can I play VR If I Wear Glasses?
Yes, you can wear glasses when playing VR. Most frames fit perfectly, safely, and comfortably when wearing a virtual reality headset. Nevertheless, if your frame is large, it might not fit perfectly. To prevent this, you should always measure the height and length of your frames before purchasing a VR headset.
Make sure that the measurement of your frames matches that of the VR headset. Many virtual reality headsets on the market are designed to be used without glasses. Meanwhile, the manufacturers intended them to be suitable for visually impaired persons. This type of design ensures you do not have to worry about putting on your frames when using the headset.
The need to wear glasses while playing VR also depends on the individual’s eye condition. The case is not the same for shortsighted and farsighted people. If you are farsighted, you might be in luck. Many farsighted VR users said they could see very clearly while using this device.
The design of most VR headsets, such as the HTC Vives, is more favorable to farsighted people. If you are farsighted you will be able to use most virtual reality headsets without much issue, depending on the severity of your case. However, it will be best to take interval breaks to avoid straining your eyes.
Shortsighted people are not as lucky as farsighted people when using VR. Nevertheless, some myopic people can also use VR headsets without glasses. The chances of shortsighted people using VR depend on their level of prescription.
Those with a prescription up to -1.00 can use virtual reality headsets without straining their eyes. They can also consume the content without losing vital details. A prescription level of -2.00 can also use VR. However, a prescription of -3.00 and below can strain the eyes.
Here Are Two Major Factors That Will Determine If You Can Wear VR With Glasses
Type of Headset
There are different types of VR headsets out there, and the kind you have will determine if you can wear glasses with it. Some manufacturers did not consider those wearing glasses when making their products, while others did. Hence, if you have a VR headset that has no room for eyeglasses, you will be unable to wear glasses while using it.
Glasses-wearers need to ensure that they purchase VR headsets that are compatible with their glasses. The VR headset should be spacious and comfortable when wearing.
Size of Glasses
The size of your glasses is another vital factor that would determine if you can use them while wearing the VR gear. Before buying a VR headset, you should measure your lens height, bridge, lens width, and frame width and choose the option that fits seamlessly.
Does VR Ruin Eyesight?
According to research, virtual reality headsets might cause some eye-related issues. Some of the problems VR can cause include eye discomfort, blurred vision, eye fatigue, and eyestrain. However, there is no evidence of long-term damage of VR on eyesight.
Staring at your VR screen for an extended period can result in eye fatigue or strain. The reason is that when using a device with a screen, we tend to blink less than we usually do. Spending a lot of time staring at your VR screen can also result in visually induced motion sickness.
Besides eye fatigue and strain, other common symptoms of using this device for a long time include drowsiness, headache, difficulty focusing, vomiting, nausea, sweating, and lightheadedness.
In 2020, Danny Bittman – a virtual reality developer – tweeted that staring at his VR screen for an extended period ruined his eyesight. He said that he experienced drastic deterioration in his vision in a 3-year timeframe.
However, he said that his optician prescribed glasses to correct the issue. According to BBC News, there is no evidence to show that using virtual reality devices can permanently damage vision among adults and children. The American Academy of Ophthalmologists also said that there is no evidence of long-term damage caused by VR headsets.
Over the past few years, virtual reality headsets have caused concerns about potential eye damage. However, these devices also provide some visual benefits. VR headsets can help improve vision. These devices can enhance hand-eye coordination, eye coordination, reaction time, and depth perception.
Using the headset properly can also improve visual clarity for people with amblyopia. Virtual reality headsets are also restoring the sight of those with low vision. Despite the concerns around it, VR headsets have helped several people achieve better eyesight.
Which VR Headset Can You Wear With Glasses?
Many VR headsets are on the market today, and they all have their ups and downs. However, when looking for the best VR headset you can wear with glasses, the number one thing you should consider is comfort. To get the best VR experience, you need to wear VR headsets that will not remind you that you are wearing a device.
The headset should have enough space for your glasses without causing any distraction. If it distorts your glasses, it will ruin your vision and experience with the device. Here are the VR headsets you can wear with glasses:
PSVR
So far, PSVR is the best virtual reality headset you can wear with glasses. This device has a lot of space for most types of glasses. Some people call it the universally accepted VR headset because it is compatible with almost all eyeglasses.
Both small and larger frames fit inside nicely. On testing this device, I only felt slight discomfort from the glasses’ pressure on the bridge of my nose. Some users said they experienced mild light reflection from the glasses and screen. However, this is common among many VR headsets on the market today.
Oculus Rift
Another VR headset you can wear with glasses is Oculus Rift. Nonetheless, the space for glasses in this device is not as spacious as that of PSVR. This virtual reality headset cannot work with longer and broader frames. The height of the frame must not be longer than 50mm, while the width should be 142mm or less.
You should also ensure that the screen does not touch your glasses to prevent scratching. If there is contact between them, it might distort your view. So you want to make sure that you only use glasses that are small enough to fit inside this VR headset.
Samsung Gear VR
Samsung Gear VR is another excellent headset that you can wear with glasses. However, to get the best experience from this device, you need to set the focus wheel to infinity. This adjustment will help you consume the virtual reality content comfortably and without any distortion.
When using your glasses with this device, you should be careful not to scratch the glass. You also want to ensure that the glasses fit perfectly into the headset.
HTC Vive
From our findings and reports from other users, HTC Vive is one of the few VR headsets to fit glasses. The headset has considerable space, making it an excellent option for glasses-wearers.
This virtual reality headset is compatible with frames that are not longer than 60mm and wider than 152mm. This device also comes with a smaller face pad that consumes less space. It also helps to adjust the distance from the glasses to the lens.
Reverb
The Reverb line from HP is another highly spacious virtual reality headset. The ample space in this headset makes it very comfortable when wearing glasses.
Should I get Prescription VR Lenses?
Interestingly, you have the option of replacing the lenses in the VR headset with prescription lenses. Most times, using a virtual reality headset with your glasses can be difficult. If you have a VR headset and glasses that are not compatible or make you uncomfortable, you can opt for a prescription VR lens insert.
Prescription lenses work like standard glasses, but they are designed to be inserted into virtual reality headsets. When using prescription VR lenses, you will no longer need standard frames.
However, the critical difference is that these prescription lenses stand apart from each other. They are not connected like normal glasses. You can fit them perfectly into your virtual reality headset without any frames.
These lenses are also manufactured in a way that they cannot scratch the screen of the headset. Rather than facing the screen, the hollow part of the lens faces the eye directly. With such a design, you will not see any scratches on your screen. All you have to do is fasten the adopters of the lenses to prevent them from falling off.
Using prescription VR lenses will not hinder your experience with this device. You will enjoy an enhanced field of view with no obstruction or discomfort.
However, before you get prescription VR lenses, here are some vital things you should know:
Prescription VR Lenses Are Brand-Specific
Prescription VR lenses are designed for specific brands. Every brand has a product that it is more compatible with. These lenses are made with different materials, so they do not produce the same results for all brands.
Furthermore, you should only use prescription VR lenses recommended by an expert. When you wear a recommended VR lens, you will be able to prevent allergic reactions and other potential eye issues. Using lenses compatible with a headset will also make you feel more comfortable when using it.
You Need Prescription for Colored VR Lenses
There is a common misconception that you do not need a prescription for colored lenses. People easily fall for this because colored lenses are often used for cosmetic purposes. Nevertheless, you need a prescription to wear colored VR lenses.
It is best to be careful when wearing colored lenses, as wearing the wrong ones can potentially damage your eyesight. If you have issues with just one eye, your doctor might prescribe a pair – one regular lens and one corrective lens.
Adhere to the Guidelines and Instructions of Your Doctor
After getting your lenses, you must adhere to your doctor’s guidelines and instructions. After handing over the lenses to you, your doctor will give you some instructions to follow. For instance, the doctor might tell you how best to use the lenses and the number of times you can use them a day.
If you do not want to cause irritation or damage your eyes, you should use the lenses in the VR headset according to recommendations. The limited use will enable your eyes to adjust to the lenses, meaning you will have to spend less time with your VR headset until your eyes adjust fully. After a few days, you can increase the number of hours you spend using your VR headset.
Wrapping Up
Playing VR while wearing glasses has been an issue for many people. However, you can get around this by using the right VR headset or prescription VR lenses. You should always opt for a VR headset that is spacious enough to accommodate your glasses.
You will need to measure your frame and lens before making your final purchase decision. Without being comfortable in the headset, you will not be able to use it for a long time, and this will ruin your experience.
