Google is credited as being the technology pioneer for smart glasses. They were the first to invest in this new and modern form of eyewear, with the first official Google glasses being released in 2013. In 2018, it was estimated that over 800,000 users worldwide own smart glasses with the numbers slated to fluctuate in coming years.
Smart glass technology is credited with offering a hands-free and immersive visual experience, but beyond those touted benefits, is there a darker side? Google, though its original creator, actually warns that wearing their glasses may have certain health implications. If that’s the case, what are the real disadvantages of owning and wearing smart glasses?
1. Smart Glasses May Negatively Impact Your Vision
Every day you wear glasses to correct your vision, but smart glasses can actually contribute to migraines as well as eye strain in certain people. Though these side effects are ever-present when wearing traditional lenses, they seem more pronounced when smart technology is employed. It’s also important for people that have undergone Lasik surgery to discuss wearing smart glasses in depth with their doctor.
Many parents are also voicing concerns about smart glasses, and rightfully so! Children under the age of 13 should not get exposed to these modern lenses. They can cause vision development problems in young children which can lead to permanent impairment.
2. You May Inadvertently Cause Accidents or Be in One
Smart glasses may seem like the answer to all of your problems, but they are actually quite dangerous, warns Google. The glasses contain blind spots that can negatively impact your peripheral vision which in turn can lead you to cause accidents or to be in one. In order to safely complete your daily tasks such as driving or crossing the street, you need to have full use of your eyes. Unfortunately, smart glasses contain a full loss of vision in the upper-right quadrant.
3. Where You Can Wear Them Is Limited
Theaters have officially banned visitors from wearing smart glasses. In fact, many businesses are also likely to follow suit as there’s a great level of mistrust surrounding this technology. People don’t actually feel comfortable being around others wearing smart glasses as they may get filmed without their knowledge or consent.
4. These Glasses Have No Real Defined Use
Apart from demanding a hefty price tag, there’s no solid reason to support wearing smart glasses. They do not allow for freedom of movement, and in fact, they make it harder to participate in sports or other activities that require brisk movement. Additionally, their integrated features are glitchy at best and there’s always the concern of an impending data breach.
Smart glasses once seemed like the answer to all of our vision problems, but in reality, they create more problems than they solve. From carrying a hefty price tag to hindering your field of vision, they actually pose somewhat of a safety risk. Still, those that want to give smart glasses a chance have the ability to select from a few available manufacturers.