A vacuum insulated glazing unit comprising a first glass pane and a second glass pane arranged in parallel, the second glass pane spaced apart from the first glass pane, wherein each glass pane comprises inner and outer surfaces, wherein the inner surfaces define a gap therebetween; a plurality of spacers arranged in the gap between of the inner surface of the first glass pane and the inner surface of the second glass pane; and a side seal material attached around a periphery of the first glass pane and the second glass pane, thereby forming a sealed cavity between the glass panes, wherein at least a portion of the inner surface of the first glass pane comprises a strengthened portion that comprises a plurality of implanted ions, wherein the plurality of implanted ions are nitrogen ions, carbon ions, argon ions, or a combination comprising at least one of the foregoing.