Glasses that give you directions, translate signs and even monitor your health aren’t science fiction anymore—they’re the latest screen we’re getting used to wearing. No, they’re not reading your mind—just your movements, surroundings and maybe your stress levels. Welcome to the world of wearable tech, where your eyes are now part of the upgrade.
From smartwatches tracking your heart rate to glasses that read text aloud, wearable technology is everywhere, unlocking exciting possibilities for vision support and eye care. Wearables are devices worn on the body that provide real-time feedback, data collection or enhanced sensory input. These include smartwatches (Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch), fitness trackers (Fitbit, Garmin), smart glasses (Ray-Ban Meta, Google Glass), virtual reality (VR) headsets (MetaQuest, PlayStation VR), augmented reality (AR) headsets (Microsoft HoloLens, Magic Leap) and smart contact lenses (still emerging, but already in development by tech giants like Mojo Vison and Google).
Let’s start with the positives—especially for those with visual impairments or medical needs. Smart glasses, for example, are doing more than just looking cool. For people with low vision, they can act like digital companions: converting text to speech, recognizing faces or everyday objects & navigation. Some models are now integrating AI to read emotional expressions or detect hazards like stairs and curbs, things many of us take for granted.
Then there’s eye-tracking technology in VR. Doctors can now use these systems to observe micro-movements in the eye, which can help diagnose early signs of concussions, autism spectrum disorders or neurodegenerative disease like Parkinson’s. In rehabilitation, therapists use VR to track eye movements and improve coordination, creating more engaging and targeted therapy sessions.
And even the seemingly simple feature of screen time and sleep monitoring on your smart watch can have ripple effects for eye health. Overexposure to screens, especially at bedtime, can sabotage both sleep quality and eye comfort. Reminders from wearable tech nudge you to take screen breaks, get better sleep and stay on a healthy routine. Fun fact: Better sleep keeps the eyes more comfortable by improving the natural moisture layer (tear film) that protects them.
Now for a little bit of the downside when it comes to wearable tech. These close-range devices are designed for convenience and performance, but they also introduce a new kind of visual challenge: prolonged screen exposure mere inches from the eyes. Increasingly integrated into our daily lives these gadgets are transforming how we live—but they may also be changing how our eyes feel and function. One of the most obvious issues is too much screen time which leads to digital eye strain. Dry eyes, blurry vision, headaches and fatigue are risk factors of staring at close-up screens for an extended period of time. These devices also emit blue light, which can disrupt sleep by interfering with melatonin production, leaving eyes feeling tired and irritated.
Poor fit and alignment can also be a problem. If smart glasses or headsets do not align properly with the eyes, the eyes are forced to work harder than necessary. This can trigger visual discomfort and neck pain from poor posture. And while smart contact lenses are still in development, they raise early concerns about reduced oxygen to the eye, corneal stress and long-term effects on the retina, though long-term studies are still underway.
When used mindfully and in moderation, wearable technology can enhance both health and daily convenience. But smart habits matter just as much, protecting your vision starts with how you use your devices. Stay connected to the future without compromising your eye health. To learn more, visit WEBSITE. To keep healthy tabs on your vision, be sure to schedule an annual comprehensive eye exam at Eye Institute of South Jersey, P.C. by calling 856-205-1100.