Virtual Reality Games and Children's Vision

Virtual reality (VR) games are among the newest "high tech" computer games to gain popularity. While they are novel and exciting to play, children (and adults) need to understand the potential impact these games may have on vision.

VR games involve wearing a headset which is designed to exclude one's perception of the outside world as much as possible. The headset provides sound through earphones, images via a miniature video display screen with focusing lenses placed in front of each eye, and feedback to the game's computer about the user's eye and body movements. The images seen change in response to the user's body movements. The games generally involve motion (e.g., flying an airplane or rocket-ship, running down a tunnel, or moving through a maze).

Sometimes users of VR games experience problems due to sensory overload. Visual and perceptual problems can arise because of the nature and design of the headset and the visual environment which is created:

The video display screen is located very close to the user's eye, but to see the screen clearly, the eyes must focus as if the screen were many feet away. This can cause the eyes' focusing and alignment mechanisms to become fatigued leading to discomfort.
The small focusing lenses must be adjusted properly in order for the user to see the screen clearly and comfortably. The separation of the lenses must be placed to match the distance between the user's eyes (interpupillary distance). If not properly adjusted, the eyes will have difficulty maintaining alignment, further increasing eyestrain.

Not all VR games have headsets which provide the range of adjustment or quality of focusing lenses needed to provide clear, distortion-free images. Some people, especially those who wear glasses, may find it difficult or impossible to adjust the headsets for clear, comfortable vision.

Some users of VR games may also experience problems of motion sickness, dizziness and disorientation. For some persons, these symptoms may be severe enough to prevent them from using the games; others may overcome them with time.

Children who use VR games and their parents need to be knowledgeable about the potential effects of their use in order to minimize risks while maximizing the fun. More research and experience with VR games is needed to determine their impact on vision. However, here are some suggestions from the American Optometric Association when playing VR games:

Make sure your vision is up to the task. Have regular vision examinations, tell your doctor of optometry that you like to play VR or other video games, and follow his or her recommendations for vision care.
Learn how to properly set up, adjust and maintain the VR headset. When buying a VR game set, look for an adjustable headset that allows the user to see the video display screen clearly and comfortably. Get a demonstration or trial of the headset before you buy it.
Limit the amount of VR game sessions to about 15 minutes at a time, with sufficient breaks or rest periods to recover equilibrium and orientation. If motion sickness, eyestrain, headache or other symptoms occur, reduce the time or stop playing entirely.

VR and other video or computer-based games can be interesting and fun to play. It is important for children and parents to use these games wisely in order to ensure maximum safety and enjoyment. If you have questions about VR games, talk to your family optometrist or contact the American Optometric Association.