Virtual reality (VR) is revolutionising several sectors, including healthcare, education, real estate and entertainment. With VR viewers, users can immerse themselves in three-dimensional simulations of real or imaginary environments, creating an artificial reality through the use of special hardware and software. VR viewers are equipped with high-resolution displays and sensors to detect the position and orientation of the head.
However, the use of VR technology raises some concerns, especially for eye and brain health. Eye fatigue is one of the main side effects reported by users, as the eye muscles become fatigued while trying to focus on the immersive images displayed in the VR visor. Using a VR viewer can affect the interaction between the brain and eyes, forcing the brain to process visual information differently. Although there is no scientific evidence of eye damage caused by VR viewers in adults, some studies indicate that prolonged use of the technology may contribute to the development of myopia in children, just as a TV or computer would if they spent long hours near the screen. In addition, some VR environments may not be appropriate for children or too traumatic to process. To prevent potential psychological effects, most manufacturers prohibit their use by children under the age of 13.
Other concerns relate to digital eye fatigue caused by the difference between virtual and perceived distance and reduced eyelid frequency when using VR viewers, which can lead to dry eyes and pain. For example, when we focus on virtual reality, we tend to blink less than usual. Research shows that contact lens wearers are more likely to experience dryness when using VR viewers.
Some users may experience dizziness and nausea, known as‘cybersickness‘ or‘cyber nausea‘, due to perceptual differences between eye movement and body movement in the virtual world. The wearer of a VR visor experiences the same physical disorientation as when travelling by ship: the eyes follow movements on the screen of the visors, but the body does not execute them, which is at odds with the perceptions coming from the other senses.
Despite these side effects, VR visor manufacturers are working to improve the technology and mitigate eye health issues by improving aspects such as resolution and lens design to mitigate this problem. Some tips to protect eyesight while using VR viewers include taking regular breaks to rest your eyes, adjusting brightness, focus and contrast, avoiding standing too close to the screen and doing outdoor activities to limit the time spent in front of the viewers.
Specifically, Lenstore experts recommend:
- Blink regularly to minimise fatigue and dryness.
Roshni Patel, service manager at Lenstore, explains that:
“When using VR technology, it is good to make sure you take regular breaks and look at distant objects. Do this exercise: every 20 minutes, look at something 6 metres away for 20 seconds; use comfortable seats and not too close to the screen‘.
- Take regular breaks to prevent eye fatigue or other side effects.
- Adjust brightness, focus and contrast so that the eyes do not strain too much and, consequently, do not become fatigued.
- Going outdoors during breaks
Besides the potential side effects, there are also pros:
The use of visors can also offer vision benefits such as improved hand-eye coordination, depth perception, reaction time, visual memory and peripheral awareness (ability to see objects that are not in your central line of sight).
In patients with amblyopia (lazy eye) and visually impaired people, the appropriate use of VR viewers can help improve vision.
According to the National Institute of Health: ‘ Video games can improve spatial awareness and peripheral vision. However, we must learn to play in moderation to avoid the problems caused by computer vision syndrome, including dry eye and DES‘.
As the global VR market continues to grow and develop, reaching substantial numbers, it is crucial to pay attention to eye health and use the technology responsibly, taking necessary precautions and limiting the prolonged use of VR viewers.
In short, as with all technologies, past and future, using them sparingly can help to enjoy the benefits of VR without endangering visual health: past generations have grown up with the phrase “don’t stand in front of the TV too much”, subsequent generations will grow up with “don’t stand in front of the visor too much”.
The evolution continues.
