Vision Pro Viewing Focal Distance

Having different eyewear prescriptions (progressive lenses) for: 1) computer desk with Display about 2 - 3 ft away, & 2) typical far-sighted use, what is  Vision Pro's viewing focal distance?

{I do use prescription reading glasses, which are not progressive, but these are for reading at about arm's length.}

  • Vision Pro prescription detail Here does not provide guidance, nor Zeiss' prescription guide Here, about which prescription is recommended.
    • It seems using one's computer (occupational) prescription would be best suited; but, I want to buy the Zeiss inserts one time with no guessing.
    • Can anyone point to where this key focal point parameter is confirmed by Apple?


Posted on Feb 7, 2024 9:41 AM

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Posted on Feb 7, 2024 10:52 AM

Spoke with Apple Support, both Sales & Technical. ...This question could not be answered, precisely as I was asking, by either Support rep.


Recommended this precise question be escalated and a Focal Distance parameter be made part of Vision Pro specs {along with Interpupillary Distance - IPD 51-75mm -> horizontal distance between center of one's pupils}.

41 replies

Feb 8, 2024 4:07 PM in response to pbGuy

I'm no optics expert, and I've only just received my Vision Pro today -

I just used my regular eye doctor's prescription when ordering it.

I am near-sighted, but due to age, I cannot see close-up. I have to use progressive or bifocal glasses..

A regular eye glass prescription will include a section called "ADD" which is how much correction you need for close-up viewing . It is measured when you get an eye exam.

(in my case +2.50).


I assumed that they must have designed a way to deal with it.

And when I put on the Vision Pro I was able to see close-up and distance.

It might be that the optics in the Vision Pro cameras might be compensating the focus for the close-up.


One thing I did find - the resolution of the pass-through cameras does not seem as good as real life - the view in Vision Pro is not as detailed in my opinion.


But again, I am not an expert - this is just my experience.

Feb 10, 2024 1:41 AM in response to Salient2

Same here! Store demo blurry at distant objects but not close up. The ones I purchased have same problem (pass through looks nothing like commercials). The bigger problem is glare reflections from any brightly lit scene while viewing! I called Apple support and relayed the problem along with green color cast in both right and left outside corners. Agent was super nice and is going to pass info along to development team. He will call me back on the 15th with any helpful info. Here’s hoping for a solution!

Feb 20, 2024 7:23 AM in response to pbGuy

Here is my experience:

I am near-sighted and also need "reading" glasses (actually "computer" glasses that is further distance than typical reading distance). My eye doctor included an "ADD" of +1.75 to my normal Rx for "reading" glasses. However, I always get an "ADD" of +1.25 for my glasses for use with my computer. This also works OK for reading.


The Zeiss instructions say to use the "ADD" (not an intermediate distance, like computer glasses), so my lenses were made with the +1.75. The passthrough video appeared somewhat blurry... The same as if I were wearing reading glasses IRL, although the augmented objects were clear ( I actually don't understand how that works since I am looking at the same screen!)


I ordered another pair of lenses with my "normal" +1.25 ADD and I could tell little difference. I guess the pass-through is somewhat less blurry, but really just a waste of $.


I assume the passthrough would not be blurry if I had no ADD, but also assume my eyes would soon get fatigued (I'm old).

Feb 21, 2024 4:06 PM in response to David Strait

Hi, It was mentioned in the earlier post that you can order another pair of lenses with different ADD. I am wondering how can you do it? Would not apple use exactly the numbers that your prescription says?


I am about to order Vision Pro and also straggling with decision what should I use for ADD as I am (a) near-sighted but one eye is better than another; (b) have "computer" glasses prescription but no "reading" glasses prescription. And, really use no glasses in real life, except when watching 4K movies :)


Would Apple allow me to reorder lenses with different ADD if I am not happy with first result?


Thanks.

Feb 21, 2024 4:52 PM in response to max2999

Yeah I placed the order and they refused the prescription as I had one for my computer glasses I wanted to try. So far they have not responded to my emails about it, so I suspect it will get canceled.


You can certainly get another prescription filled but unlike other places you need to have a valid one from your doctor. So I am considering going to my doctor and asking her to make me one just for VR glasses so I can have Apple make that.


Or we can wait because Hons VR is making lenses also that will come in soon. I just ordered those for my Quest 3 and they will make any prescription you ask for.

Feb 21, 2024 5:11 PM in response to max2999

One thing is when I ordered mine it said I needed the 23W face shield vs the 21W one (and for the next test it said 24W?). I think that is one that pushes it further from your face for the lenses, so when I move my headset back a little it's quite a bit better with the lenses for my progressives. Catch is the new face shield I ordered does not arrive for a few weeks. So I am using it as is for now. I just really wish I could lower it maybe 0.25 to 0.5 diopter. I do hope the 23W will make a big difference.

Feb 21, 2024 5:39 PM in response to max2999

Max, probably the best way is to ask your doctor to re-write the prescription with a different ADD. I cheated and simply changed the +1.75 to +1.25 with similar color ink. although this may not always work.


As I mentioned in my original post, I saw no significant difference between the two lens and would probably just use the original ADD if I were going to order another pair (for some reason). I'm not sure if they actually make the lenses with the entire ADD correction anyway... perhaps it is a smaller shift(?). Also, I told them I am old which apparently results in another correction... as they state in the instructions. Possibly they only apply the "age" correction if there is no ADD (?). Anyway, I have been pleased with the lens and have no significant eye fatigue, even if I use it for several hours. This was a big concern for me before I ordered the Vision Pro.

Feb 22, 2024 12:30 AM in response to KendallB

It may be a stupid question but can somebody explain how those lenses work vs glasses. Like I said, I normally do not use reading glasses but I do have distance glasses. I use them when I watch movies or drive. But if I try to use them when I read, I cannot see the text. If Apple would design those insert lenses based on my distance glasses prescription, would not I lose ability to see clear any ”virtual” objects nearby? Thanks.

Feb 22, 2024 5:11 AM in response to pbGuy

No it does not work the same way as the real world so if you can focus properly on the screens you can see correctly items both near and far. So we are supposed to use our distance prescription non progressive. They do adjust down any ADD you have for progressive lenses or bifocals but they don’t say how much. So if you only use them for seeing in the distance use that prescription and it should be good.

Feb 22, 2024 7:25 AM in response to max2999

Max.... Can't answer your "stupid" question (NOT a stupid question), but have some unsolicited advice for you. From your description, you are apparently slightly nearsighted and can easily get by without reading glasses because of this (reading glasses make you nearsighted so you can focus on items nearby). I would also guess you may be approaching age 40 since your eyes can no longer adjust to reading when wearing distance glasses. You should probably go to the doctor and get them to write an Rx with an ADD, then use this. Otherwise, your eyes may suffer fatigue if you simply use your distance Rx.

Feb 22, 2024 7:36 AM in response to KendallB

Kendall... Not sure if this is what you're saying about seeing "near" and "far" items clearly, but "passthrough" video of my surroundings are somewhat blurry (far items?) and augmented reality screens are clear (near items?). I have an ADD of +1.25 and the passthrough looks similar to my vision IRL when wearing my reading glasses, but not sure if that is why the passthrough is blurry. Others on this forum say the passthrough is not clear in any case, so may not be related to my ADD.

Feb 22, 2024 9:46 AM in response to David Strait

David, the screens in your AVP are the same distance from your eyes regardless of what's on the screen. If the passthrough is blurry then it's because the video feed is poor. Perhaps it's a low light issue, or maybe you need to break out the polishing cloth. :-)


(it's never going to be as crisp as the internally generated video)


You're effectively watching a TV. You don't change your glasses just because the program switched from a near scene one to a far one.


Vision Pro Viewing Focal Distance

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