Are virtual reality headsets bad for your eyes? Well, it is a legitimate question we all have asked. Our goal with this post is to share some of our insight we hope will be helpful to you. There are numerous benefits of this new technology. Yes, VR headsets are great for gaming but are helping to save lives as well.
VR headsets are not bad for your eyes depending on how often you are using the technology. Obviously, we don't recommend using virtual reality headsets for hours on end with no breaks. You need to pace yourself and use these systems in moderation.
It is like anything else. It can become addicting and you want to ensure it is not an unhealthy addiction right? VR headsets are fun to use. There are cheaper versions you can invest in and some more expensive alternatives depending on your budget.
Introduction
Virtual reality headset is one of the most recent technologies of this decade. A few years back, it was a fascinating concept in the minds of young entrepreneurs. All might have read exciting articles about what is virtual reality headset. We know how capable and how magical it is. But, now those fascinating ideas and the concept has become a reality. It is turning out to be universal. Tech-giants like Oculus, Sony, HTC, and Samsung have dived-deep into this technology. They are enhancing their retail profits. The evolution of virtual reality is significant -in a short time.
This technology is an advantage for humans. It tends to change the way of entertainment, productivity, and learning. 2016 was a big success year for Virtual Reality Headsets. Manufacturing companies have marketing staff. The marketing staff only focuses on the advantages of this technology. And, do you think the QA and QC people wear it for real and test it with their experience? Well, if it is so, what if this technology has long-term effects on your eyes? You and the QA QC guys will suffer together. The good news is that you'll have a company!
The expert analysis state that VR headsets may cause adverse effects on human health. They have also revealed that VR Headsets can cause a negative impact on eyes. Virtual Reality Headset is wearable technology. The VR Headsets expose the screen of your mobile to your eyes. This exposure is from a very short distance though, it enhances your experience. It leads to a three-dimensional vision. The VR headset is a set of two screens displayed to each eye. Your smartphone is the source of the display. Here's how these Virtual Reality Headsets affect your eyes.
Eye Discomfort
This is the most common among human beings. You might have experienced irritation upon wearing goggles or spectacles. You can experience the same in the case of a virtual reality headset. Sometimes it may lead to a headache. This is because your eyes work hard to perceive an image from the screen of a virtual reality headset. Usually, eyes see the objects in the environment that exist at a natural distance.
The virtual reality headset displays the screens right in front of your eyes. This is to simulate the images at different distances. This simulation causes the three-dimensional effect. Your eyes do have this talent, but it can be pretty stressful for them to do so. Sometimes, the prolonged use of virtual reality headsets can lead to pressure on the eyes. This pressure is due to the eyes are resolving the distortions of the vision. Such demands and tensions can affect your eyes. The tensions and pressure can also trigger nausea and excessive discomfort.
Dryness
If you are an IT guy a developer or a tester, then you know the eye-dryness very well. Exposure to computer screens during your working hours can cause dryness. This exposure can also lead to an eye-ache or a headache and, in the worst case -both. Dry eyes are usually caused due to the low rate of eye-blinks. A low rate of eye-blinks is when you are too much excited and involved in the vision.
The brightness of your screen helps in the evaporation of the tears if you blink less. This is because the exposure is relevant enough for evaporation of tears. Usually, when you are new to Virtual Reality Headset, the rate of your eye-blink increases. This is due to some discomfort caused to your eyes. You always try to comfort your eyes by blinking them again and again. In fact, your rate of eye-blinks goes above average, which can also lead to an abnormal life.
Refractive Error
Refractive Error Virtual Reality Headsets are addictive. It can force you for its prolonged use. They display a world of images that you have never imagined. Your gaming, entertainment, and learning experience steps-up to the next level. Hence, you love staying in the world of virtual reality. So, your eyes get habituated to the close visions. Your eyes adapt the refraction of the images on the retina to avoid distortion all the time.
This is where refractive errors come into the picture. Now, your eyes have the habit of seeing things at the near sight. But, the light of the vision at a far distance is not refracted on the retina, causing a blur vision. This blur vision is also known as nearsightedness or refractive error.
The virtual reality headset is a new technology that may have long-term effects on your eyes. It ideal to use it when required. The immediate results of prolonged usage are somehow a threat. Yet, the immediate effects are among the ones which are avoidable up to some extent. Avoiding a prolonged use of the VR headset may help you to avoid discomfort and refractive error. You can normalize your eye-blink rate to prevent dryness. But, what if it leads to a severe issue such as blindness?
Closing Thoughts
It is ideal to limit the use of virtual reality headset. Use it when it proves to be productive enough in your work life or your career. Otherwise, use options such as play stations, Xbox, smartphones, television, or computer. They can overcome your needs of entertainment, gaming, and learning. Also, it is advisable to keep it away from kids.
Virtual reality headsets can become a dangerous addiction for kids. We all know that the age of kids is not appropriate to face eye discomfort, dryness, or refractive errors. If you opt to use the virtual reality headphones, make sure you have the perfect product. It must be from a trustworthy manufacturer and reputed brand. Avoid using the low-quality product to save costs since your eyes are very expensive!
What Can You Do With A VR Headset?
What can you do with a VR headset is a common question we get asked often here at VR Gear Pro. Well, there are numerous purposes VR headsets can now be used for. Virtual reality is now helping medical students train for surgery. In addition, it is helping military personnel train for war and save lives. So, there are many incredible reasons to get involved in virtual reality.
Of course, there are other purposes VR headsets are used for. We all love gaming at least here at VR Gear Pro. In addition, some of us are former military members so know how valuable virtual reality has been in our own training.
This is the era of virtual reality and every industry is adopting this revolutionizing technology. There is no doubt that it has changed the way of doing things, it has simplified many things and increased pleasure. You can experience many things in virtual reality that you cannot expect to have in the real world. With the advancement of technology, companies are introducing new virtual reality gears. The first and the most important gear introduced till now is the VR headset. It allows you to visualize the virtual world with your eyes. There are many applications of a VR headset and you can do a lot of things with it. If you don’t know what you can do with a VR headset, then you are in the right place. We are going to discuss its application and how it is making things easier and enjoyable.
What Else Can You Do with A VR Headset?
VR headsets are getting popular in the market, you can get one online with ease. People might not know about it and they might ask what you can do with a VR headset. VR headsets have many applications, but we are going to discuss a few of them.
Gaming
The most common use of the VR headset is gaming. You will find special VR headsets that are for gaming. They come with different gaming kits as well for controls and sound. This makes gaming more enjoyable. You can experience everything like you are present there. There are some virtual reality systems that have far more games within their library compared to others.
Watch Matches and Shows
If you don’t have the front seat in the next football match, then don’t worry. You can easily see the match via a VR headset. It will look like real and you can enjoy it at your home. You can watch shows and events live at your home.
Listen to Audio
VR headsets have built-in speakers, so you can listen to audio as well and watch videos. You can also attach a headphone with your headset via 3.5mm jack. Some VR headsets also have a built headphone.
3D Movies and Videos
You don’t need to go to cinemas to see 3D movies anymore, you can enjoy 3D movies at home. VR headsets can work with 3D movies from different platforms such as NETFLIX and HULU. You can make your home a personal theater.
World Exploration and Travel
You can explore the world like a bird using Google Earth. If you have not seen any places, then you can easily see it via Google Earth. It enhances your knowledge as well. Moreover, it can be used for educational purposes. Using Google Expeditions, you can see different important landmarks of the world without going there.
Travel Stories
You can also share travel stories on social VR platforms such as Fulldive VR. You can see people's stories and see the place that they have shared.
Use Applications
There are dozens of free and paid VR applications for entertainment. You can see natural sceneries, places, cartoons, shows etc.
We have discussed a few things to tell you what you can do with a VR headset. There are many more applications as well. With a VR headset you can increase the joy, we hope you get the idea what you can do with it.
Best VR Headset for Real Experience
We are going to list some of the best VR headsets with which you can do what you want. They vary in price but overall are not going to break your bank account. That being said, be wary of the Valve Index as it is the most expensive in the market currently.
HTC VIVE Pro Virtual Reality Headset Only
This is an amazing VR headset that can provide you real experience in high definition. It provides enough details through its 2880 x 1660 graphics. Thus, you will feel everything clear and real. It also has a headphone with the device to listen to the audio. The headset is designed according to ergonomic factors, so you will not feel pain or discomfort after wearing it. This is ideal for gaming. You can also adjust the head strap and headphones as you desire.
Pros
- Headphones
- Adjustable Strap
- Ergonomic Design
Cons
- Expensive
- Not very high-quality audio
Oculus Rift S PC-Powered VR Gaming Headset
This VR headset is specially designed for gaming. It has controls as well to use while playing the game. These can show your real gestures in the virtual world. You can use it for PC gaming. With high-quality graphics, you get real gaming experience. Moreover, you also get access to the Oculus store where you can find hundreds of games. The design is also according to ergonomic standards for comfortable use. It does not need any extra sensors, everything is in the headset which is amazing.
Pros
- Excellent Display
- No extra sensors are needed
- Translates gestures in the virtual world
Cons
- No HDMI
- IPD is an issue for some users
Oculus Go Standalone Virtual Reality Headset
Oculus Go is excellent for entering in the virtual reality. It will fool your mind and you will experience everything like real. It is for watching programs, sporting events, and live shows. This allows you to see your favorite shows and matches like the audience. You will experience as you are present in the stadium or studio. You will find the Oculus store from where you can download games and applications. It just like a personal theater at your home with which you can enjoy without PC or phone. There are no wires, so you can use it anywhere without any hassle. It has a speaker in it and you can also connect a headphone with it.
Pros
- Adjustable straps
- You can use it with glasses
- 64GB internal storage
- No need of phone or PC
Cons
- Can work for 1-2 hours on a full charge
VR Headset Compatible with iPhone & Android Phone
This a special VR headset in which you can put your phone and enjoy the virtual reality. It is not like the above-listed products, it requires a phone in it to work. It is inexpensive and worth the money. You can play games and watch videos with it. You can adjust the strap according to your head size. It is easy to use, even children can use it. It is compatible with different mobile devices that have displays in the range of 4”-6.3”. Further, it can support 4K resolution videos as well.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Inexpensive
- Adjustable Strap
- Eye-sight protection
Cons
- No headphone
Closing Thoughts
We hope you understand what you can do with a VR headset. VR headsets are amazing to enjoy the experience of virtual reality. It takes you to a new world that you like. You can use it for gaming, watching shows and videos. It makes the experience more enjoyable and memorable. We have also selected some best products after doing research for a couple of hours for your ease. Just get a VR headset and discover what else you can do with it.
So, are virtual reality headsets bad for your eyes? Used in moderation, VR headsets can be a lot of fun and helpful for many new career fields. In addition, this new technology can help save lives. Furthermore, it is one of the most promising new technologies that will create the greatest benefits to the end-user.
Of course, it brings reality to new levels too. There are things you can do in virtual reality that you cannot in reality itself. So, it is an exciting time to be involved in the virtual reality industry. Did we mention it is due to grow to a $44.7 billion dollar business by the year 2024? Incredible stuff for sure.
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