Onlens

Onlens is a term used in speculative discussions of wearable display technology to describe a class of eyeglass-based augmented reality (AR) displays in which information is projected directly onto the surface of the lens or integrated into it. In this concept, a compact projection or display module sits near the frame and couples light into the lens through waveguides, holographic elements, or refractive coatings, so that virtual content appears superimposed over the wearer’s real world without a separate screen. Variants may project on the inner or outer surface of the lens or use combinational optics to align images with the wearer’s gaze, preserving transparency where content is not visible.

Design goals for onlens include a low-profile form factor, prescription compatibility, minimal occlusion of natural vision, and the ability to adjust brightness and focus to suit different tasks. Implementations discussed in the literature emphasize waveguide-based light delivery, micro-projectors, or projection onto curved substrates, as well as eye-tracking to stabilize overlays.

Challenges remain substantial. Optical quality can degrade at lens edges, accommodation can be difficult to match, and power and heat management are active concerns. Manufacturing tolerances for curved, prescription-ready lenses complicate production, while safety, privacy, and regulatory considerations shape the research agenda. As of this writing, there is no widely adopted standard or commercial product named onlens; it remains primarily a concept discussed in theoretical and design contexts.