The Turkish Ophthalmology Association warned the public that the use of virtual reality glasses, which has increased recently with the development of the Metaverse platform, may adversely affect eye health if used for a long time.
Dr. Murat Erbezci pointed out that glasses, which give the feeling of 3D vision with artificial optical illusions, can have negative effects especially on the eyes of children in the developmental age. Dr. Murat Erbezci stated that virtual reality glasses can also cause strabismus, crossed eyes, myopia, eye fatigue and involuntary tremors in the eyes.
Turkish Society of Ophthalmology Optics, Refraction and Low Vision Rehabilitation (ORR) Unit Member Dr. Murat Erbezci made statements about the possible negative effects of virtual reality glasses (Virtual Reality - VR Glasses) on the eye health, the use of which has been rapidly increasing on the Metaverse platform.
Stating that games played with virtual reality glasses are popular and therefore their effects on eye health are frequently discussed all over the world, Dr. Erbezci said, “Many manufacturers talk about age restrictions for the use of their devices. It is thought that it may have effects on the sense of depth created by the development of vision, eye movements and the working of the eyes, especially in children in the developmental age. The image on the screens, which stand approximately 20 cm in front of the eye, is perceived as if it is 2 meters away by making some optical deceptions. However, due to the displacement of the object to be viewed in the 3D image from time to time, the adaptation mechanisms that enable the eye to focus on an object with eye movements work differently from real life.
University of Washington research
Dr. Murat Erbezci emphasized that scientific studies that will reach definite conclusions on the subject in the medical world have not been completed yet. Erbezci said, “In a study conducted at the University of Washington, 50 children were played with virtual reality glasses for 30 minutes, before and immediately after, tests of vision, eye movements, sense of depth, and spatial perception, together with posture (posture), motion sickness (car motion sickness), checked for dizziness. It was seen that only 3 children could not complete the game. While it was determined that there was no problem in the others, it was understood that two of them had dizziness and one of them left the game because he was bored. Erbezci said that in this study, it was determined that there was no problem in short use, and warned families to be cautious when it comes to longer periods.
In the pandemic, myopia increased in children
Dr. Murat Erbezci stated that myopia may occur or progress more rapidly, if any, in children of developmental age, and pointed out that the incidence of myopia increases by 1.7-3 percent in children who stay at home and spend a long time in front of the computer during the pandemic period.
Stating that a similar situation may occur with long and frequent use of VR glasses, Erbezci continued: we may also have problems perceiving the positions of objects around us (a sense of depth). Such problems can be seen not only in children but also in adults as play times get longer.”
“When we are in front of the screen for a long time, the blue light emitted from the screen affects the secretions of hormones such as cortisol and melatonin, which regulate the daily rhythm of the person. Especially in the evening, the light emitted from computers or virtual reality glasses can disturb our sleep and disrupt our daily rhythm. Eye fatigue may occur in VR glasses, just like in computer use, and complaints of burning, stinging, redness, pain and blurred vision may occur in the eyes. “
What should we do to prevent it?
Dr. Murat Erbezci, following his warnings, listed the things to be done to minimize these effects as follows: “One of the most important measures is to reduce the usage time of virtual glasses. Every 20 minutes, we need to rest our eyes for at least 20 seconds, looking at least 6 meters or more away. Children should spend at least 1 hour outside in daylight every day. For problems such as redness, stinging and burning in the eyes, it is possible to use a suitable artificial tear drop by consulting your ophthalmologist. We recommend that those who spend a long time at the screen or playing with virtual reality systems should see an ophthalmologist every 6 months. “
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