Can I wear my glasses in VR?
We get this question a lot, and the good news is yes, you can! Many modern VR headsets, including HTC VIVE’s, are designed to accommodate glasses wearers without compromising comfort or visual clarity.
In this guide, we’ll help you understand how to comfortably use a VR headset with glasses—or go glasses-free if your vision needs allow it. HTC VIVE offers a variety of headsets that support different preferences, whether you need room for frames or want built-in vision adjustments.
How can I use VR with glasses?
Most VR headsets today are built with extra space around the eyes to fit prescription glasses. Some models even offer optional gaskets or spacers to further increase lens-to-face clearance.
A comfortable fit depends on a few factors:
- Headset design
- Frame size
- Lens clearance
- Proper adjustment
It’s understandable to be concerned about scratching the headset’s lenses or feeling pressure on your face, but these issues are easily avoided with a well-fitting headset and a little care during setup. We’ll get to that a bit later.
Browse HTC VIVE VR headsets now.
What are the best VR headsets for glasses wearers?
Looking for a VR headset you can use while still wearing your eyeglasses? Consider our top pick below.
VIVE Focus Vision
VIVE Focus Vision is our newest PC VR and mixed reality headset with stunning 5K resolution, stereo passthrough, and support for both full-body tracking and full-face tracking. It’s engineered to work seamlessly with most eyeglasses, supporting frames up to 150 mm wide and 55 mm tall.
VIVE Focus Vision also comes with built-in eye tracking, auto-IPD adjustment, and a flexible face cushion, making it an ideal choice for glasses wearers.
The flexible face cushion frame allows glasses to slide in smoothly. You can even add the included magnetic gasket spacer to create more room between the lenses and your glasses. Built-in eye tracking automatically adjusts the interpupillary distance (IPD) to optimize clarity.
See how to wear VIVE Focus Vision with glasses or explore all VIVE Focus Vision features.
What if I don’t want to wear my glasses in VR?
For some nearsighted users (especially those without astigmatism), glasses might not be necessary in VR. That’s because the lenses in many headsets focus the image as if it's at a distance. But if you still need help focusing, diopter-adjustable headsets offer a convenient glasses-free solution.
VIVE XR Elite
This headset combines portability and power in a lightweight, glasses-like design. It supports PC VR and mixed reality (MR) and includes sliding diopter dials that let you adjust the focus up to approximately -6.0 diopters per eye.
With built-in diopter dials, VIVE XR Elite lets many nearsighted users go glasses-free while staying immersed in VR. Whether you’re traveling or gaming at home, VIVE XR Elite offers a glasses-free experience for many nearsighted users. Its manual IPD adjustment also helps fine-tune visuals for your unique vision.
Discover how to adjust VIVE XR Elite’s diopter dials and even more great headset features.
VIVE Flow
VIVE Flow is a pair of compact, foldable VR glasses designed for casual and passive VR experiences, such as streaming content in VR from your phone. Like VIVE XR Elite, it includes individual diopter adjustments on each lens to support many nearsighted users.
VIVE Flow features a lightweight design and adjustable diopter lenses for VR use without frames. Its portable form factor also makes it ideal for travel or light use. Note that visual results can vary based on your vision. Users with astigmatism or complex prescriptions may not benefit from diopter dials alone.
Can I use VR with prescription lens inserts?
There are third-party lens insert providers that create prescription lenses specifically designed to fit inside VR headsets. HTC VIVE does not officially endorse or affiliate with these companies, but they might prove helpful for some users. Popular options include:
- VR Optician: Offers custom lens inserts with different coatings and lens types.
- WIDMOvr: Provides prescription lens adapters with customizable options.
- VR Lens Lab: Produces and delivers high-quality lens inserts for VR headsets.
- Reloptix: Creates magnetic prescription lens kits for several models.
These products can be useful to some people, but before considering them, we recommend first testing your HTC VIVE headset with glasses or trying built-in diopter adjustments.
Tips for a comfortable VR experience with glasses
- Gently flex the face cushion when putting on or removing the headset.
- Make sure your glasses don’t touch the VR lenses to prevent scratching.
- Clean your glasses and headset lenses before use to avoid smudges.
- Adjust IPD and lens distance for the sharpest image possible.
FAQs
Will my frames scratch the VR headset lenses?
It’s possible, especially if you have large or sharp-edged frames. To avoid scratches, use a gasket spacer (like the one that comes with VIVE Focus Vision) and slide the headset on slowly and carefully.
What is the maximum frame size a VR headset can accommodate?
This varies by model. VIVE Focus Vision supports glasses up to 150 mm wide and 55 mm tall.
How do I stop the lenses from fogging?
Avoid an overly tight fit, as some airflow helps reduce fog. You can also try anti-fog wipes or spray approved for optical use.
Is a VR headset’s IPD or diopter range enough for astigmatism?
Not usually. These adjustments help with pupil alignment (IPD) and nearsightedness (diopter dials) but do not correct astigmatism.
How do I put on a VR headset with glasses?
- Loosen the headset strap fully (if there is one).
- Tilt the headset forward and slide the lower edge over your glasses.
- Lower it carefully into place.
- Tighten the headset strap.
- Adjust IPD manually (if possible) or follow on-screen instructions.
- If your headset has diopter dials, turn each dial gradually to get the clearest focus.
With the right headset and adjustments, using VR with glasses is easy, comfortable, and fun.
You can absolutely enjoy VR with glasses, and in some cases, you might not need them at all. Whether you prefer a headset that accommodates frames (like VIVE Focus Vision) or want to go glasses-free using diopter dials (like VIVE XR Elite), HTC VIVE has options to fit your vision needs.
Discover our full lineup of headsets and find your perfect fit for immersive, comfortable VR.
