As the technology behind virtual reality (VR) continues to advance, more people are able to enjoy immersive experiences through the use of headsets. The Meta Quest 2 has now captured the attention of countless gamers and tech enthusiasts alike.
About three in four people in the United States wear corrective lenses, so it’s likely that if you’re interested in VR, you’ve wondered how to wear the headset over your glasses.
The good news is that all Meta and Oculus legacy products are built to accommodate most frames. They can be used in tandem with your existing glasses (a practice that has some limitations) or by using VirtuClear® VR prescription lens inserts with your headset.
Now you can enjoy a fully immersive VR experience with the Meta Quest 2, Oculus Rift, Oculus Go, Oculus Quest, Oculus Rift S, and Oculus Quest 2 without having to compromise your vision. Read on to learn more.
Before diving into the world of VR and glasses, let's take a quick look at the evolution from the Oculus name to Meta Quest 2.
American entrepreneur Palmer Luckey first introduced Oculus through a Kickstarter campaign in 2012. When Facebook saw potential in the technology, it acquired the name in 2014. This move allowed for more research and development, resulting in innovative virtual reality products that are now available to everyone.
In October 2021, Facebook’s parent company became Meta and announced a rebranding of the Oculus product line. The Meta Quest 2 has now replaced the original Oculus Quest 2. Though the names have changed, the product remains the same and is still compatible for use with glasses.
The Meta Quest 2 should fit over most glasses. However, they must meet certain frame size parameters to fit:
If your frames are larger, the headset will push against them. This is uncomfortable and will likely interfere with the VR experience and/or your vision while in play.
These frame size parameters should also work if you have a legacy model, such as the Oculus Rift, Go, Quest, Rift S, or Quest 2.
The Meta Quest 2 comes with a spacer to provide enough room for your glasses underneath the headset. To wear the Meta Quest 2 with glasses:
Remember to put the headset on from front to back. During removal, pull the headset forward and then take it off.
The spacer included with the Meta Quest 2 is lightweight and easy to use. It’s made from a comfortable material that reduces pressure when wearing the headset with glasses. You don't need to worry about the lenses getting scratched because it's designed to protect the lenses from possible damage.
If something happens to your included spacer, you may find third-party spacers available as a replacement. For the best results, be sure to check the fine print to see if they will work with your Meta Quest 2.
The Oculus Rift allows you to wear glasses comfortably by offering maximum adjustability. To wear your headset:
The steps for wearing the Oculus Go with glasses are similar to those for the Oculus Rift, except you don’t have to worry about on-ear headphones. To wear your headset:
The Oculus Rift S has more of an adjustable strap system that makes it easier to wear the headset with glasses. To wear your headset:
A Meta Quest, Oculus, or other type of VR headset could scratch your glasses lenses, but it’s unlikely. Scratching is far more likely to happen due to improper handling and storage. You can reduce your risk of lens scratches by following the instructions and steps outlined above. A scratch-resistant coating on your lenses can also help protect against damage.
Wearing glasses with the Meta Quest or Oculus headset can sometimes cause your lenses to fog. Fogging occurs when your warm breath rises up to the lenses and creates condensation. This can make it difficult to see through the headset.
If your glasses fog up while gaming, it’s a sign that your headset may be on too tight. Try loosening the straps to allow for more airflow. If the fogging continues, try ordering a set of VirtuClear® VR prescription lens inserts, which allow you to see with your prescription but without the need to wear glasses.
If you wear corrective lenses regularly, you should wear them with your headset to get the best VR experience possible. But wearing glasses isn’t the only option for enjoying optical clarity.
No matter how you choose to use your VR headset, it's important to take the necessary precautions to make your virtual time fun and comfortable. This includes following the instructions above and ensuring your next pair of glasses is within the right size parameters.
Following these steps will ensure you enjoy a safe, comfortable, and immersive experience with your Meta or Oculus headset. Happy gaming!