Are you familiar with Virtual Reality? Do you know the effects it has on your eyes? This article answers the question, “Is Virtual Reality Bad For Your Eyes?”
As technology has advanced since the early 1990s, we have seen a change in how gaming has taken over our lives. Before, technologically advanced gaming systems were only the thing to be owned by the extremely rich and were seen as a waste of time.
But as the rise in technology and desire for new and improved entertainment media has increased, so has the market for virtual reality. What is the essential meaning behind the term virtual reality, you might be asking? Well, in this article, it will all be answered.
Gaming has always been a part of our childhood, be it simple Tetris or Brick-breaker to the simple snake game that we all know and love, the rise of virtual reality has increased.
Virtual reality is a gaming headset connected to multiple infrared sensors that can immersively connect simulation and our real life and bring it to reality and make you feel the world of gaming in 360-degree view all around you.
Gaming can not only help develop the neurological and mental capabilities of a child, but it can also be a source of relaxation for them to unwind from a long day. So, with that, let’s answer the question, “is virtual reality bad for your eyes?”
How does VR actually operate
Before we look into the effects of virtual reality on the eyes, it is interesting to note how the machine operates. VR headset is a headset that weighs around 500-600 grams, and it is strapped on top of your head for it to rest and has a soft cushion for comfortability.
In front of the eyes lies a screen that displays the gaming contents, and the entire gameplay is based on it as it shows the image from our phones and creates a perfect all-around experience for gaming.
Two lenses are placed for alignment, and some headsets have lenses that can be positioned in the desired way and perfect for a gamer according to their needs.
Infrared sensors are placed and integrated inside the headset to track head movements from all angles for action inside the simulated game. LCD monitors give the illusion of reality to a gamer when it is only a simulation.
Virtual reality creates a seamless blend between real life and simulations so that the gamer feels no lack in between them. It brings together the two worlds, meshing them and getting the spark in gaming into real life, making the gamer feel like they are experiencing something magical.
How VR may impact your eyes
Now that we have considered how the machine operates, it is essential to note that virtual reality headsets can impact and harm our eyes.
Eyestrain: When the eyes are focused on one place for extended periods, it can cause them to lose focus and strain them, which can cause headaches and be harmful to the eyes. You can use specialized lenses to prevent this, such as Crizal. These types of lenses are specifically made to avoid eye strain.
Kids at risk: At a young age, their mind, their ability to focus, perception of reality from simulations, response times are still being developed; hence exposure to such advanced gameplay can cause them developmental issues as well as nearsightedness. For this reason, You should be taken frequent breaks to prevent this issue.
Disorientation: In VR gameplay, there is always a lag between the response time in the actual game versus real life, which can cause disorientation as the body and the simulation are not aligned and can mess with the brain. To prevent this, remove the headset to move around to connect back to reality.
Motion Sickness: Abrupt movement between the game in a confined space can lead to feeling dizzy and experiencing motion sickness. Therefore frequent breaks are again recommended.
Virtual Reality can be a source of danger for the body and the eyes. And it isn’t long before it becomes a risk to mental health, too, as the child would be occupied in otherworldly activities.
Unexpected Benefits
It’s not all bad; professionals may suggest that there could be some unseen benefits to all the side effects. With the way technology is advancing and at its peak, it is no secret that even virtual reality could potentially end up having multiple benefits.
One of the most significant benefits is the fact that virtual reality at its core is used for gameplay which tests the gamer’s depth perception, response time, mental capacity, mind games, hand-eye coordination, and reactions in complex situations; therefore, it is safe to say that VR could attribute to the better cognitive development of a gamer.
Another benefit is that with the way the lenses move and interact with us, virtual reality offers a technological binocular vision that forces our retinas to develop and focus on how close the objects and screen seem to help the eye develop and improve cognitive function over time.
Lastly, a handy benefit of playing VR games is that it will provide relaxation and entertainment for a child or a gamer who is tired and wants an escape from the world; the VR games would provide a source of relief someplace to seek shelter too.
Our takeaway:
After reading the entire article, we sincerely hope that it has helped you conclude your opinion on whether virtual reality affects eyes or not. However, there is also partially our takeaway from this situation that could potentially save you money.
Seeing as the adverse side effects outweigh the positive benefits, it is safe to say that even though technology has successfully advanced where now we can experience reality with games combined, is virtual reality bad for your eyes? Yes, it is.
Faq
What are the harmful effects of virtual reality?
Virtual reality exposure can cause sensory system disruption and symptoms including nausea, vertigo, sweating, pallor, loss of balance, etc., which are collectively referred to as “virtual reality sickness.” These symptoms may start to show up within the first few minutes of consumption in sensitive people.
Is VR worse for your eyes than TV?
Using the Quest (or any other VR headset) shouldn’t be any more dangerous than staring at a computer or television if your eyes are fully matured (i.e., you are an adult). The eye discomfort that results from prolonged VR use is just transitory.
Conclusion
It’s a very heated debate Is Virtual Reality Bad For Your Eyes? One problem is that VR equipment might make the eyes converge and focus at a fixed distance, which can get tiresome over time. Furthermore, certain VR devices’ relatively low resolution and refresh rates might make the display appear pixelated and flicker, which can potentially cause eye strain. Overall there is not much issue in VR Headsets and they are not causing any issue on eyes you can easily use them.