In-headset vision correction

[TP_Silk]

Since getting my Rift I've been battling to find the best solution to the issue of how to see well when using my VR headset (Oculus Rift). I've tried wearing my spectacles in the headset (several pairs at different focal lengths), using contact lenses and now a set of in-headset lenses from https://vr-lens.eu/ and I thought I would let you folks know what my experiences are/were (if you're in any way interested).

 

Contact Lenses

These didn't really do it for me because of my astigmatism, which means that lens prescription is only a choice of 'as near as we can get to your prescription'. Other than that these were more comfortable than wearing spectacles in the headset (of course) and have the added bonus that you're not risking scratching the screens.

 

Spectacles

These gave me much better vision but at the cost of comfort. I found that it wasn't as easy to put the headset on (you have to do it front to back if you wear specs rather than the standard back to front) and that I was constantly grabbing the arms of my specs behind my ears to pull the specs more securely onto my face to avoid any possibility of scratching the screen. The other issue with wearing spectacles in the Rift is that because the headset generates a fair amount of heat, I found that my glasses would steam up somewhat in the headset and need frequent cleaning.  I also found that because the screens are right in front of the spectacle lenses there was a very slight loss in clarity of the image.

 

In-headset lens inserts

I just got a pair of these delivered yesterday and what a difference they make. The are well crafted and made to my exact prescription but adjusted ever so slightly to allow for the fact that they sit a little further away from my eyes than my regular spectacles do. The bring the game into much clearer focus than wearing my spectacles and the issue of steaming up has disappeared. They are really easy to fit and the clips for them are made by 3d-printing, so it may be possible to get a mate with a 3d-printer to make you spares just in case you ever need them. The cost was not prohibitive (in my case it was 94 Euros to get lenses with my exact prescription) and I would thoroughly recommend these as the best way of correcting vision in the headset if you need to.

 

One thing to note is that there are two companies out there at the moment making in-headset lenses. One of those has generally good reviews and the other has slightly poorer reviews. I would recommend using vr-lens.eu (a German company based in Zolling) if you are considering this option. I would also recommend ordering the corrective lenses so that they arrive with or before your headset so that you're not tempted to risk wearing specs and potentially scratching the screens (as I've heard of others doing).

 

I hope that this has been of some help.

[Lensman1945]

+1. 

I have a set of the EU inserts too. They are brilliant. You can still adjust IPD with them fitted and I'm much happier cleaning them than risking a direct clean of the Rift lenses.

[TG-55Panthercules]

I looked into those, but wound up taking a somewhat cheaper approach.  Found a guy who had done a 3D printer design specifically for use with the Rift and a pair of lenses from a specific set of glasses from Zenni optical.  Frames cost about $8 (including shipping), and the glasses made to my distance prescription about $17 (including shipping), so for about $25 I got a great set of in-headset lenses that really seem to do the trick.  Can't compare them to the more costly versions, but certainly something to consider trying before you plunk down about 4 times that much for the others.

[BMW801]

I appreciate your recommendation of these lenses.

I have ordered a set of this type from that website and I am really looking forward to getting them.

I received order confirmation that they have shipped, but it will take an estimated 3 weeks to receive them from Germany due to customs.

I will post my impressions of them once they make it here.  These look like the best type available from what I have seen so far.

[katdog5]

I looked into those, but wound up taking a somewhat cheaper approach.  Found a guy who had done a 3D printer design specifically for use with the Rift and a pair of lenses from a specific set of glasses from Zenni optical.  Frames cost about $8 (including shipping), and the glasses made to my distance prescription about $17 (including shipping), so for about $25 I got a great set of in-headset lenses that really seem to do the trick.  Can't compare them to the more costly versions, but certainly something to consider trying before you plunk down about 4 times that much for the others.

 

 whoa...somebody is sitting on a goldmine with this idea.

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

Depends, investing in and powering a bitcoin mining rig might yield more profit per day ))

[BMW801]

My In-headset VR lenses arrived.

They are excellent.  Same acuity as my prescription lenses, but now I can ditch the glasses with the rift.

I bought them from the German company that TP_Silk obtained his, and I am very pleased.

They fit securely in the rift and they are easy to place and remove. 

I appreciate TP_Silk posting this topic. It has been very helpful to me.

[TP_Silk]

No problem mate. If I have helped even just one person with my review then I count it as a success,

[SCG_Fenris_Wolf]

I recommend checking out vrcover.com as well. I don't need glasses, but the fluffy bigger covers helped people with glasses I have read. For me, they stop any steaming up of the lenses.