Smart glasses with AI aid visually impaired, raise privacy concerns

Smart glasses with integrated artificial intelligence are gaining traction as assistive tools for people with visual impairments, while also raising new privacy and cybersecurity risks. Global sales of AI-enabled glasses reached 8.7 million units in 2025, and shipments of connected glasses tripled in the first quarter of 2026, according to Omdia and Counterpoint Source: Milenio, El Nacional. Meta dominates the market with its Ray-Ban Meta and Oakley Meta models, holding about 84% of the market Source: Diario Libre.

Assistive benefits

For users like Colette Dentelle, an 83-year-old with visual impairment, the glasses are life-changing. She uses them to navigate, read product labels, and locate lost items, saying, "That allows me to remain autonomous" Source: El Nacional. The glasses respond to voice commands, describe surroundings, and provide real-time information, enhancing independence for people with visual disabilities Source: Milenio.

Privacy and security risks

However, experts warn that the same capabilities can be misused. ESET highlights that smart glasses can act as covert surveillance devices, as their cameras and microphones can record without clear indicators Source: Infobae. Meta had to issue a mandatory update to disable the camera if the recording LED is tampered with Source: Infobae. Researchers at Harvard demonstrated in 2024 that facial recognition on smart glasses can identify people in public in real time, raising concerns about stalking and fraud Source: Infobae. Additionally, the glasses could inadvertently capture PIN codes, passwords, and financial information, especially near ATMs or payment terminals Source: Infobae.

Market dynamics

While the US remains the largest market, competition is intensifying in China and India, with manufacturers like Xiaomi, Huawei, and Rokid offering lower prices Source: Diario Libre. An optician in Paris notes cautious ordering due to rapid technological evolution Source: El Nacional.