Eye Tracking with Glasses and Contacts: How Gazepoint Ensures Accurate Results
One common question we receive at Gazepoint is whether our eye-tracking systems work reliably for participants who wear glasses or contact lenses. The good news is: yes, they do! Our eye trackers are designed to accommodate a wide variety of users, including those with corrective eyewear.
However, to ensure the best possible data quality, there are a few tips and best practices to follow.
How Eye Tracking Works with Glasses and Contacts
Gazepoint eye trackers use infrared (IR) illumination and high-resolution cameras to detect and track the pupil and corneal reflection (also known as the “glint”). These signals are used to calculate where the user is looking on a screen in real time.
While glasses and contacts may alter how light behaves around the eyes, our system is built to compensate for these variations:
- Contact lenses typically pose no issue at all, as they sit directly on the eye and do not interfere with the IR signal.
- Glasses may reflect infrared light or introduce distortions, but our tracking algorithms and robust calibration process are designed to maintain high accuracy across a wide range of eyewear types.
Tips for Reliable Eye Tracking with Eyewear
To get the best results, we recommend the following practices during your setup and data collection:
✅ Adjust Lighting Conditions
Avoid strong overhead or backlighting that may cause additional reflections on glasses. A consistent, diffuse lighting setup will support optimal tracking performance.
✅ Position the Tracker and Participant Properly
Ensure that the eye tracker is centered below the monitor and that the participant’s eyes are clearly visible to the camera. If glasses are causing reflections, a slight tilt upwards of the eye-tracker or shift of the user height (using a height adjustable chair) may help reduce interference.
✅ Keep Glasses Clean
Smudges, fingerprints, or dust on glasses can scatter light and reduce visibility. A quick clean before the session can make a big difference in tracking quality.
Why Choose Gazepoint for Eye Tracking with Eyewear?
At Gazepoint, we’ve designed our eye-tracking systems to be robust, inclusive, and easy to use across a wide range of participants. Whether your users wear glasses, contact lenses, or no correction at all, you can expect:
- Accurate tracking with low latency
- Smooth setup with intuitive software
- Reliable calibration results
- Compatibility with most prescription eyewear
Our goal is to make high-quality eye tracking accessible to everyone, without requiring complicated setup or expensive adjustments.
Have Questions? We’re Here to Help
If you’re planning a study and want to ensure compatibility with your participant group, our support team is happy to assist with setup tips or even test scenarios in advance.
Visit www.gazept.com to learn more or get in touch with our experts.
