Technology in the eyewear industry has come a long way. From the rise of online shopping to smart glasses, new developments are changing the way people use and buy glasses or sunglasses. Recent innovations have even made them usable in the medical field, with headsets and eyewear utilizing holograms and X-ray vision for smoother surgical procedures.
Technology has also refined the search process; instead of spending ages browsing optical shops or online catalogs, virtual tools can narrow your options down to the most flattering frames suited to your style. If you’re on the hunt for a new pair of glasses or sunglasses, here’s how technology can help find the best eyewear for you:
Virtual try-on tools
Trying on eyewear is an important step in figuring out which frames flatter you best, but the process can look much different if you want to enjoy the convenience of online shopping. You may not be able to fit a pair of glasses or sunglasses physically, but a virtual glasses try on can simulate the experience using your device’s camera. A virtual try-on tool uses augmented reality technology and 3D scanning to showcase how a pair of frames can look when you wear them. You can turn your head to see the frames from more angles and see how the shape highlights or minimizes certain facial features. On Sunglass Hut, you can try on popular sunglasses like the Ray-Ban Aviator or Versace Biggies by clicking on the “try on” button, which will open your camera to get you started. A virtual try-on tool can help you feel more confident in your purchase.
AI-powered search
Finding a frame you love can be challenging with so many eyewear styles available, and the search can be even harder if you’re unsure how to describe what you’re looking for. You might see a stylish pair when watching a movie or when out and about, but it’s not easy to find the words to describe them. Rather than spend ages looking for your ideal specs or shades, artificial intelligence (AI) can do the job for you. AI-powered search features allow you to upload an image of any pair of glasses or sunglasses and offer similar frames. This tool makes finding eyewear that suits your personal style much easier while saving you time and effort. Zenni Optical uses AI to enhance its search capabilities, so you don’t need words to describe the glasses you want. The experience also makes shopping more personalized as the technology learns more about your preferences.
Credit: @stones3d
3D printed eyewear
If you’re unsatisfied with the range of eyewear styles in the market, you can have a pair made especially for you. 3D printing technology has opened up more opportunities for people to create their sunglasses or glasses on demand. These frames can fit more comfortably since they’re made for your features and can incorporate style elements to make them truly one-of-a-kind. Various 3D-printed eyewear brands have emerged, boasting different techniques for a wide range of consumers. Fitz Frames creates eyewear for adults and children, using their app to get the face’s exact measurements to ensure a perfect fit. Eco-conscious consumers can find sustainable options like Wire Glasses, which uses bioplastic made from castor beans for the frames; its lenses can also be swapped out, so you don’t have to buy multiple pairs. The Abeye Lexilens glasses can even help people with dyslexia. 3D printing can create a pair of unique frames that are perfect for your features, fashion, and lifestyle.
