Is Virtual Reality (VR) Bad for Your Eyes?

However, there are concerns over the use of VR technology. Most concerns revolve around eye and brain health.
Using a VR headset can affect the interaction between your brain and eyes, forcing the brain to process visual information differently.
Most people report eye strain and discomfort after spending time in virtual environments. This is because eye muscles get fatigued as users try to focus on the immersive images on the VR headset screen.
Potential Effects of VR on Eyes (According to Research)
Although VR is a new technology with limited studies, existing evidence points to the following potential effects:
Eye Strain and Fatigue (Asthenopia)
Frequent blinking reduces as you focus on a VR screen several millimeters from the eye.1
Manufacturers of VR devices are improving aspects like resolution and lens designs to mitigate this problem. They’ve also tried to reduce bulkiness, as a device’s weight puts a lot of pressure on facial muscles and eye sockets, causing eye strain.
Dry Eyes
In addition to eye strain, reduced blink rate when using VR headsets prevents proper moisturization and lubrication, causing dry eyes and eye pain. The heat emitted from the headsets also contributes to dry eyes.
Research shows contact lens wearers are more likely to experience dryness when using VR headsets.3Fortunately, popular models like the Oculus Quest by Meta, Inc. can be fitted with prescription lenses to eliminate the need to wear contacts.
Virtual Reality Sickness and Dizziness
Virtual reality sickness (cybersickness) is a type of motion sickness brought about by exposure to VR environments. Virtual reality alters your eye’s depth perception (how you see things and perceive the space around you), which can cause motion sickness.
Research also shows that most VR users report nausea, drowsiness, and dizziness.4 About 40% and 70% of motion sickness cases occur after 15 minutes of the VR experience.5 However, it can last several hours.
People who typically experience motion sickness on a rollercoaster, train, airplane, or boat are more susceptible to VR-induced motion sickness.
Twitching Eyes
According to Oculus, the largest manufacturer of VR devices, eye twitching occurs in about 1 in 4,000 people. If you experience persistent twitching after using a VR headset, discontinue use and consult your eye doctor.
Blurry Vision
BMC Ophthalmology indicates that using VR headsets too frequently or for extended periods may cause blurred vision.7 This is a common symptom of computer vision syndrome (digital eye strain). However, the blurriness is temporary, and you should regain visual acuity once you take a break.
Where to Buy Glasses + Contacts
Are VR Headsets Safe for Children?
Most immersive environments focus on the gaming market, which children and young adults dominate. According to 2021 statistics, 76% of American kids (under 18) are gamers.8
Children are particularly at risk of VR dangers because their depth perception, focus, and tracking abilities are still developing. Potential dangers of VR to kids include early myopia (nearsightedness) and digital eye strain.9
VR can cause myopia (nearsightedness) in kids just like a TV or computer would if they spent long hours close to the screen. Furthermore, some VR environments may not be appropriate for children or too traumatic to process.
To prevent potential psychological effects, most manufacturers prohibit use by children under 13 years. Manufacturers with no age cap still mention that the devices are “not designed to be used by children.”
While virtual reality is not entirely unsafe for kids, it’s better to take caution to protect their mental health and vision development.
Potential Eye Health Benefits of VR
Despite the negative consequences of VR headsets, current innovations aim at improving eye function, such as:
Hand-eye coordination
Depth perception
Reaction time
Visual memory
Peripheral awareness (ability to see objects that aren’t in your central line of vision)
Treatment for Amblyopia (Lazy Eye)
VR-based treatments are also under development for children with lazy eyes as an alternative to eye patches or atropine drops.11
Luminopia One was the first FDA-approved VR-based therapy for childhood amblyopia. It combines VR technology with modified TV shows and movies that children can enjoy while improving their vision.
Treatment for Vision Loss
People with low vision can regain their sight with the help of VR-powered headsets. One example is SightPlus™ by GiveVision, which the manufacturer claims can help visually impaired people to see near and distant objects.
Currently, VR therapy combines other treatments, such as eye patches and special glasses, and is rarely used alone. As VR technology continues to evolve, researchers are optimistic about its potential to promote eye health.
How to Protect Your Eyes When Using VR
The key to preventing the harmful effects of VR is using it in moderation. Take the following steps to protect your eyes:
Vincent Ayaga is a medical researcher and experienced content writer with a bachelor's degree in Medical Microbiology. His areas of special interest include disease investigation, prevention, and control strategies. Vincent's mission is to create awareness of visual problems and evidence-based solutions shaping the world of ophthalmology. He believes that ophthalmic education offered through research has a greater impact among knowledge seekers.
Melody Huang is an optometrist and freelance health writer. Through her writing, Dr. Huang enjoys educating patients on how to lead healthier and happier lives. She also has an interest in Eastern medicine practices and learning about integrative medicine. When she’s not working, Dr. Huang loves reviewing new skin care products, trying interesting food recipes, or hanging with her adopted cats.
The information provided on VisionCenter.org should not be used in place of actual information provided by a doctor or a specialist.