Are VR devices, such as the Oculus Rift, harmful for eyes?

It is a real issue, but not as bad as people may think. From many perspectives, VR headsets are actually more eye-friendly than smartphones.

Most VR headsets contain two small LCD monitors, each projected at one eye, creating a stereoscopic effect that gives users the illusion of depth. These monitors are positioned very close to the eyes and have caused experts to wonder about possible negative effects, especially when used for long periods of time. These concerns are real because eye strain is likely whenever one focuses on an object for an extended period of time, like when we watch a long movie or stare at our computer or smartphone all day.

Staring at a VR headset screen, or any digital device, for a prolonged period of time, may cause eye strain or fatigue. You may experience these common symptoms because you tend to blink less while staring at a screen, which causes the front surface of the eye to dry out and feel fatigued. To help avoid this, remember the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a quick 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

An estimated 26% of all VR gamers are under 18. Eye focus, tracking, and depth perception are still developing into middle childhood. While there are no long-term studies on VR on eye health, it is important to pay close attention to your and your children’s eye health for potential myopia (nearsightedness) and digital eye strain.