Technologies are generally described for employing proximity sensing mechanisms in augmented reality (AR) systems. Sensors strategically placed on AR eyeglasses in locations such as right and/or left arms, bridge, or flip-up feature of the eyeglasses may be used to detect AR eyeglass usage for power management and/or to provide user interface elements like volume control, display controls, user input, and comparable ones. According to some examples, the sensors may be mechanical sensors, capacitive sensors, optical sensors, inductive sensors, magnetic sensors, and/or similar components.