While the world of Virtual Reality (VR) has brought to life
many immersive experiences that were formerly only a part of science fiction,
concerns about its potential impact on eye health are now a major subject of
study.
The VR wave is taking us by a storm. A research paper by the
United States based National Research Group suggests that the global VR market
is projected to reach a whopping $227.34 billion by 2029, up from just $16.67
billion in 2022.
Furthermore, with an average American expending approximately
two hours on VR headsets, the US Food and Drug Administration has cautioned
that prolonged exposure to VR is associated with eye strain.
Here we will delve into the kind of effects VR usage can have
on ocular health, whether scientific evidence suggests it to be a health
hazard, and what steps you can take to better manage these effects.
Common
Concerns About VR on Ocular Health
1. Eye Strain
VR headsets use LCD monitors placed very close to our eyes
and thus, one of the most voiced concerns associated with VR usage is eye
strain. Symptoms of eye strain include dryness, irritation, blurred vision, and
discomfort.
Such screen induced eye strain, however, is temporary and is
not exclusive to VR exposure. In fact, according to the American Academy of
Ophthalmology (AAO), such discomfort has not been scientifically proven to
cause any permanent damages to ocular health.
Similarly, research conducted by the University of
California, Berkeley, has conclusively shown that while VR may be associated
with some level of temporary discomfort, it does not cause long-term harm to
the eyes.
A research paper published on ScienceDirect has shown that
the mismatched viewing conditions, like those simulated by VR, can cause visual
fatigue and incorrect depth cues, affecting users' interaction capabilities and
eye-gaze performance.
2. Cybersickness
“Cybersickness” has been described by the Canadian
Association of Optometrists as a form of motion sickness associated with VR
headsets. It is also known to occur when there is a mismatch of visual
information and known body position.
This is akin to a kind of motion sickness that is induced by
many VR games and apps to trigger an experience of ‘floating’ or
‘weightlessness’ as part of the gaming experience. This characteristic is also
linked to severe eye and body discomfort.
In a recent survey conducted by VR Heaven to study the extent
of cybersickness among VR users, more than half the respondents said they did
feel some type of motion sickness.
Studies have also indicated that the effect of cybersickness
also varies across genders. For instance, roughly 22% of the female respondents
reported cybersickness on exposure to VR compared to 7% of the male
respondents.
3.
Cognitive Effects
Research has also indicated that prolonged exposure to VR is
associated with disruption of cognitive functioning. Engaging with the awkward
visual posture created by VR headsets for longer durations can alter the
development of focusing, tracking, and depth perception. This is more so
amongst children, because a child’s visual system continues to develop
throughout childhood.
In fact, most VR headset companies issue special advisories
and precautions for use amongst younger age groups. Some of these have been
discussed in a later section.
Is Virtual
Reality Bad for Your Eyes: Looking at Scientific Evidence
The point of caution over prolonged exposure to VR devices
stands true for screen time on any device. Thus, it is important to carefully
examine scientific evidence to discern whether VR really is really so much of a
unique eye hazard.
In this regard, research by the Vision Council, a prominent
trade association representing the optical industry, shows that nearly 60% of
Americans experience symptoms of digital eye strain due to prolonged screen
use, irrespective of the type of device. This screen-related eye discomfort is
of similar intensity even with smartphones or traditional computer screens.
Essentially, such studies highlight that while VR can
potentially exacerbate existing symptoms of eye strain, it is not known to
cause unique or severe ocular problems. Further research on this front is
needed before drawing any misplaced conclusions.
In fact, an article published by the Canadian Association of
Optometrists goes on to suggest that when used following an optometrist’s
guidelines, some VR headsets can even enable vision development and
improvement. Interactive engagement with such technology has demonstrably
enhanced eye-hand coordination, depth perception, and reaction time amongst
users.
Mitigating
Risks: Managing Eye Health with VR Exposure
While the scientific community offers differing perspectives
to this discourse, it’s crucial for users to adopt healthy viewing habits to
mitigate the inherent risks of eye strain associated with exposure to VR
screens.
1. 20-20-20
Rule
The American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO) has described the
20-20-20 rule for managing eye health while engaging with VR. It stipulates
that for every 20 minutes of VR exposure, the user should take a break to look
at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Such breaks help to reduce
unnecessary eye strain caused by direct and continuous screen time.
2. Device
Settings
The AAO also recommends setting the device brightness and
color gradients for optimal comfort. This includes reducing screen brightness
and ensuring adequate lighting in the surrounding environment to minimize
strain.
3.
Protective Shields for Eyes
Using eyeglass spacers or lenses to create protective
barriers between the VR screen and eyes can prevent damages. Recent research
has indicated that poor VR lens designs can significantly increase discomfort,
disorientation, and eye strain, emphasizing the importance of investing in a
good quality lens.
Additionally, using artificial tears to lubricate the eyes
and adjusting the VR headset to have it comfortably placed in front of the eyes
can also significantly reduce the associated eye stress.
Better Safe
Than Sorry: Getting Regular Eye Tests
To conclude, some level of eye strain after prolonged
exposure to VR is common, but these symptoms generally subside on their own.
Within prescribed limits and with proper guidelines, VR is a technological
innovation with many benefits.
If the eye strain however persists, it is wise to consult an
ophthalmologist to learn best practices for safe use of VR.
Reach out today to book a same-day consultation with our experienced optometrists in Calgary.
About Macleod Optometry | Optometrist Calgary
Address: 101 8855 Macleod Trail SW Calgary, AB T2H 0M2
Phone: (403) 460-3937
