Smart glasses: environmental perception and perceived health effects

Augmented reality (AR) uses digital information to enhance our perception of the real world. Smart glasses (SG) are an example of AR, displaying information within the wearer's field of view. Although they offer advantages, such as leaving one's hands free to work, they nevertheless raise questions, particularly in terms of safety, comfort and their effects on health. In this context, an experimental laboratory study involving 80 volunteer participants was carried out to assess their environmental perception when using smart glasses and the effects on their health. The results underline an alteration in environmental perception linked to a reduction in the field of vision, as well as an attentional distraction following the processing of information received via the smart glasses. The perceived effects on health, mainly ocular, have been highlighted. The study enables recommendations to be issued on the use of SG, in order to guarantee the health and safety of users.