Are Virtual Reality Headsets Safe for Eyes?

Virtual reality (VR) technology can transport us to sci-fi battlefields, underwater, in space and beyond. With a slew of new games, apps, and headsets providing an engaging three-dimensional (3D) experience for users, it's no surprise that many families are embracing VR technology. But what impact does VR hardware have on the eyes? Although the technology is relatively new and no long-term studies have been done, we do know a few things.

Immersive 3D images

VR headsets create life-size,

3D virtual environment

without the limitations of a screen. They mimic the way our eyes already work by showing each eye a slightly different image, so we perceive depth. VR headsets use either two streams sent to one screen or two LCD screens, one for each eye. They also have lenses that are placed between your eyes and the pixels. The lenses focus and reshape the image for each eye and create a stereoscopic 3D image. VR headsets provide an increased field of view (width of the image) to create a feeling of immersion. Additionally, the headsets use “head tracking,” which means moving the image in front of you as you look up, down, and side-to-side.

Why do manufacturers set age limits?

Most VR headset manufacturers claim that the device is not suitable for children under 12 or 13 years old. "Age limits for VR technology may make sense for content, but to our knowledge, this technology poses no threat to the eyes," said Stephen Lipsky, MD, a pediatric ophthalmologist who practices in Georgia.

Eye Tension and Fatigue

Staring at the screen of a VR headset or any digital device for an extended period of time may cause

eye strain or fatigue

. This is because you tend to blink less often than usual when using a digital screen device. This can cause the front surface of your eye to dry out and feel tired.

Dizziness and motion sickness

Displaying an image involving movement gives the brain the same visual cues as it does physical movement. This is why using VR headsets can lead to dizziness. If you are susceptible to motion sickness on a roller coaster or a boat, you are likely to be susceptible to virtual motion sickness as well.

What if you have an eye problem?

Individuals who have

amblyopia (an imbalance of visual strength between the two eyes)

,

strabismus (misaligned eyes)

, or other conditions that interfere with normal focus, depth perception, or 3D vision may not experience the 3D effects of VR headsets. This does not mean that visual disturbances can be caused by VR headsets. However, children or adults who suffer from these disorders may be more likely to experience headaches and/or eye strain when using virtual reality equipment. If you wear glasses to correct refractive error or eye disorder, you should keep your glasses on while using a VR headset.