Using Varjo Headsets With Glasses: A Guide for Eyeglass Wearers
The immersive computing era is already here today, and a growing number of companies have gone beyond traditional ways of creating things with the help of virtual reality and mixed reality. Varjo allows you to work comfortably without experiencing eye strain or simulator sickness.
For example, in the manufacturing and automotive industry, design iterations happen much faster this way, not to mention the benefits that big virtual screens provide, when one can observe complex models in detail in a much bigger size. Also, the demand for VR solutions on the consumer side has increased: for example, in sim racing, VR headsets are revamping the experience to a completely new level.
Despite these exciting developments, one might still wonder – how do virtual reality and mixed reality headsets fit users that need to wear eyeglasses? Can people with common eye conditions like short-sightedness or long-sightedness use VR/ XR headsets?
The good news is that there are a couple of different options available to ensure that people wearing glasses can also enjoy VR/XR content. We’ll outline the different alternatives below; ultimately, the best solution for you can only be determined by trying out different options.
1. Option: Keep your eyeglasses on.
All Varjo headsets can be used with eyeglasses. Depending on the size of your glasses, you can either wear them as is or use our face cushions specifically designed for users with eyeglasses. These face cushions feature an opening on either side to accommodate thicker eyeglass frames.
Moreover, ensuring that the VR/XR headset is worn in the correct position can enhance both your comfort and the visual experience. Varjo headsets each have four adjustable dials that should be used to ensure the headset is in the correct position and that the lens’s optical axis aligns with your eyes. Here you can read more about how to customize Varjo’s headset for your individual needs.
The latest Varjo Base version 3.10 addressed users of eyeglasses as well – we improved the experience regarding our integrated eye tracking when using eyeglasses.
2. Option: Use third-party VR prescription lenses.
The second option can be a preferred option for people who use Varjo headsets often and each of their VR/XR session takes several minutes (or even hours). Moreover, if you need to take the headset on and off several times during the day, opting for prescription lenses can save you the trouble of juggling between your headset and glasses at your desk. By using prescription lenses, you can ensure a comfortable, immersive VR/XR session without any hassle or discomfort. This is particularly important for VR/XR developers as it reduces friction in the development process.
Prescription lenses are not part of Varjo’s solution offering, but there are a couple of third-party vendors that are worth considering, such as VR Optician and VR Lens Lab.
The benefits of using prescription lenses include:
- A wider field of view: Compared to wearing glasses with your headset, you don’t suffer from decreased FOV when using prescription lenses. There is no need to worry about missing out on seeing some details due to the limitations that your eyeglasses might cause to the field of view.
- Comfortability: You’ll have more room inside the headset, and considering ventilation, it’s better to have nothing extra inside the headset.
- Protection of the lenses: You can avoid the struggle of managing two sets of lenses that could potentially get scratched or smudged.
In addition to the benefits listed above, prescription lenses offer the option of a fixed setup for those who need it. For example, you can have demo lenses with fixed values, like -1, -2, -7, ensuring that people can enjoy VR/XR content without glasses.
3. Use the headset without your glasses.
If you have only a slight vision impairment, such as clear near vision, you might find that you can use VR/XR headsets without your glasses, as you can see things up close quite well.
Additionally, don’t rule out contact lenses if they are part of your comfort zone. If you’re comfortable with wearing contacts, they can be a great option for enjoying a seamless VR/XR experience.
Varjo VR/XR headsets are designed to cater to all users, ensuring a comfortable and immersive experience for everyone. Whether you choose to wear your glasses, use prescription lenses, or go without glasses altogether, each option offers its own benefits and possibilities. Every user is different, and the best way to figure out what works for you is to try out a few options and see what best accommodates your immersive VR/XR experience.