Narendra Modi, The Prime Minister of India released a video of his interaction with prominent online gaming influencers today. Highlighting the significant influence of gaming, a popular category on YouTube in India, Modi played Indian-made games like Raji and Stumble Guys, along with experiencing Beat Saber on a Virtual Reality (VR) headset.
Discussions included insights into the gamers' careers and the distinction between gaming and gambling, as the gaming influencers emphasised the need to separate real money gaming from skill-based video gaming. While there can be many conversations about the impact, whether good or bad, of video games on our brains and overall health, experiencing it through a VR headset adds another layer to the situation.
Virtual Reality Glasses Impact
Virtual Reality (VR) technology has rapidly evolved in recent years, offering immersive experiences that blur the lines between the digital and physical worlds. From gaming and entertainment to medical simulations and educational training, VR has found diverse applications.
How VR Glasses Work
VR glasses, also known as head-mounted displays (HMDs), consist of a headset that users wear to experience virtual environments. These headsets typically include high-resolution screens, motion sensors, and lenses that simulate a 3D environment around the user. When you wear VR glasses, your eyes perceive images and animations that create the illusion of being in a different place or scenario.
While the technology is impressive, prolonged exposure to VR or using a VR headset for too long may not be as harmless.
Impact On Eyes
The most obvious impact of VR headsets is going to be on the eyes. Here’s what studies have found happens to your eyes after a long session of using VR headsets:
Eye Strain
Prolonged use of VR glasses can lead to eye strain, similar to staring at a computer or smartphone screen for extended periods. The eyes focus intensely on the virtual content, which can cause fatigue and discomfort, according to a study published in Frontiers in Neuroscience.
Accommodation-Convergence Mismatch
The same study also found that VR can create a disparity between how the eyes focus (accommodation) and how they converge to perceive depth (convergence). This mismatch, especially in poorly designed VR experiences, can strain the eye muscles and lead to visual discomfort.
Dry Eyes
Users may experience dryness in their eyes due to reduced blinking while engrossed in VR content. Insufficient blinking can lead to dry eye symptoms, such as itching, redness, and a gritty sensation. A study that assessed 20 individuals found that 40 minutes of wearing a VR headset was enough to enable dry eyes.
Motion Sickness
Some individuals may experience motion sickness or simulator sickness when using VR glasses, characterised by nausea, dizziness, and disorientation. A study published in the International Journal of Human-Computer Interaction shared that this reaction is also called cybersickness or VR sickness, and is often linked to conflicts between visual cues from VR and the body's vestibular system.
Impact on Body
The VR headset doesn’t just impact the eyes, it has an equivalent effect on the rest of the body as well:
- Postural Issues: Immersive VR experiences can alter your posture as you engage in virtual activities. Users may lean, twist, or move in ways that differ from their natural positions, potentially leading to musculoskeletal strain or discomfort.
- Physical Activity Levels: While VR can encourage physical activity through interactive games and simulations, prolonged sedentary VR sessions may contribute to a more sedentary lifestyle if not balanced with regular breaks and movement.
- Heat Build-Up: VR headsets can generate heat, especially during intensive use or in warm environments. Heat build-up around the head and face can cause discomfort and sweating.
Mitigating the Impact Of VR Headsets
When it comes to lifestyle-related health issues, technology is not the problem. The problem is our attitude and the way we exploit it. It can be argued that the way technology is marketed to us has a big hand to play in fostering addiction. But our will is in our hands.
There have been enough research and awareness initiatives that underscore that the problem with technology like smartphones, laptops, or VR headsets causing lifestyle-related health issues is not the technology itself, but its prolonged use. So, here are a few tips that can help you enjoy VR headsets safely and responsibly:
- Take Regular Breaks: To reduce eye strain and physical discomfort, take regular breaks from VR sessions. Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.
- Adjust Settings: Optimise VR settings such as interpupillary distance (IPD), brightness, and screen resolution to suit your comfort and reduce eye strain.
- Ensure Proper Fit: Wear VR glasses correctly to ensure a comfortable and secure fit. Avoid over-tightening the straps or wearing them for extended periods without breaks.
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration and maintain eye moisture while using VR glasses.
- Choose Quality Content: Select VR content from reputable sources that prioritise user comfort, minimise motion sickness triggers, and provide ergonomic experiences.
- Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any symptoms of eye strain, discomfort, or motion sickness. If problems persist, consult an eye care professional or healthcare provider.
Virtual reality technology offers exciting possibilities, but responsible usage and awareness of its potential impact on the eyes and body are essential for a safe and enjoyable experience. By adopting healthy habits and using VR in moderation, users can maximise the benefits of this innovative technology while minimising potential drawbacks.