Eyewear has evolved much over the years, but technology is rapidly changing the landscape. Innovations like augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), and artificial intelligence (AI) have been aiding in the production stage, improving the shopping experience, and are being incorporated directly into the frames. 

These advancements are also emerging at a crucial moment in eye health. As vision issues like myopia are set to increase and may even affect half of the world’s population by 2050, technology can make eyewear a more accessible and revolutionary tool for vision correction and beyond. Here’s how the eyewear industry is embracing technological innovation:

Virtual try-on tools

Eyewear e-commerce offers consumers a convenient way of shopping for glasses and sunglasses; however, being unable to try on the frames before buying them makes online eyewear shopping a challenge for some consumers. To address fitting uncertainties, eyewear retailers have leveraged virtual try-on technology to help shoppers try on glasses online. The feature provides a better idea of how the model will look on their face before buying, which is important for increasing confidence when investing in high-quality frames. Target Optical’s virtual try-on tool offers top models like the Armani Exchange 0AX3077 or Oakley 0OO9188 for fitting, allowing shoppers to feel more sure of their purchase by seeing how they flatter their features or match their style. Consumers can use a smartphone or computer to access their camera to get a full view of the eyewear’s fit. It’s powered by AR technology, allowing the virtual image of the glasses to blend in seamlessly with reality. Customers can enjoy a convenient shopping experience from their homes, while retailers benefit from reduced returns and consumer satisfaction.

3D-printed eyewear

While trends still dictate demand in the fashion world, many consumers are looking to break away from the mold and establish a personal style. Eyewear is often used as a fashion statement that expresses a wearer’s individuality and personality, but technology is taking it a step further with 3D printing. Sunglasses or optical retailers may offer a wide selection of styles, but they may not fit well on a wearer. 3D-printed eyewear allows customers to customize their frames to suit their style and features, creating a unique model that fits perfectly. Yuniku Design Studio specializes in these custom frames, which are produced by scanning the customer’s face to map out their features. 3D printing also offers more room for experimenting with design, texture, and even engravings to give consumers a tailor-made product that’s molded to their face size and features, creating a one-of-a-kind product that suits their style and makes the experience more luxurious. 

Smart glasses

Smart glasses have long been seen as science fiction, but technological advancements have made them a reality. Eyewear and tech companies have been working to develop smart glasses models for a more immersive integration of the virtual world and digital features with reality. Iconic eyewear brand Ray-Ban has partnered with tech powerhouse Meta to create the Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses, which boast high-quality cameras and open-ear speakers for taking and sharing photos and videos, making calls, listening to music, and even livestreaming onto Facebook and Instagram. Meta’s AI assistant enables wearers to control the glasses’ functions through voice commands for hands-free operation and can even offer information or answer questions. The technology is also invisible, hidden in Ray-Ban’s stylish designs like the Wayfarer or Headliner. Other smart glasses models leverage AR technology to overlay digital images or screens into the wearer’s view. Meta has also been developing its AR Orion glasses. These smart specs use silicon carbide lenses to create “holograms” when the built-in projects beam light onto the lenses so wearers can see a digital image in their field of vision. While smart glasses are still being improved, the technology has already made them impressive devices that can impact the future of eyewear.