An electronic device comprises a display stack that includes an active matrix display operable using thin film transistor (TFT) circuitry. The display stack also includes a light guide layer capable of illuminating the active matrix display. A glass substrate of the active matrix display has a first side and a second side opposite the first side, wherein the glass substrate includes the TFT circuitry disposed on the first side and one or more through-glass vias that electronically connect portions of the TFT circuitry disposed on the first side of the glass substrate to one or more electronic connectors or electronic circuitry disposed on the second side of the glass substrate.