Influence of virtual reality on visual parameters: immersive versus non-immersive mode

Abstract

Background: To investigate the differences in refraction, accommodative factors, visual parameters, and subjective symptoms after using two types of virtual reality (VR) content with different depths of perception. Methods: Twenty-three volunteers, who played VR games in two modes (immersive and non-immersive) for 30 min, were enrolled. Visual parameters were examined before and after using VR. Accommodative factors were measured using static and dynamic methods. Subjective symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire. Differences according to VR content were compared, and correlations between each visual parameter were analyzed. Results: There were no changes in refraction or accommodative factors after use of the VR. However, there was a significant increase in the near point of accommodation (NPA), the near point of convergence (NPC), and subjective symptom scores after using the immersive mode. Correlation analysis revealed a positive correlation between baseline values of near exophoria and mean accommodative lag of the dominant eye, and also revealed a negative correlation between NPA and mean accommodative lag in the non-dominant eye. Conclusions: The use of VR for 30 min increased NPA and NPC, especially after the immersive mode was used. In addition, higher exophoria and smaller NPA is associated with increased accommodative lag after using VR.

Effects of prolonged use of virtual reality smartphone-based head-mounted display on visual parameters: a randomised controlled trial

“…Furthermore, a higher accommodative lag may not have worsened because of the ceiling effect. In our previous study, we found that 30 min of VR SHMD use increased the accommodative lag in subjects with exophoria 5 . However, there was no correlation between exophoric deviation and accommodative lag in this study.…”

“…The following 13 symptoms were included in the questionnaire that was based on a computer vision syndrome questionnaire, which was previously reported by Seguí Mdel et al 5 , 12 : dry eye symptoms (burning, feeling of a foreign body, excessive blinking, tearing, dryness, tingling, and increased sensitivity to light), visual disturbance (blurred vision, double vision, and difficulty focusing for near vision), and neurological symptoms (headache, dizziness, and nausea). The symptom sensation questionnaire included six identical analog scales (0 = none to 6 = too severe to tolerate), and the subject recorded the magnitude of each symptoms compared relative to that at the baseline.…”

“…However, these studies did not use immersive content, such as games. Our previous study showed that there was no change in refraction after the use of VR HMD, but the decrease in the ability of accommodation and convergence was higher after the use of a VR HMD in an immersive mode than after the use of a non-immersive mode for 30 min 5 . According to health and safety warnings provided by the manufacturers, continuous use of VR HMD for > 30 min is not recommended 6 .…”

“…The proportion of individuals using VR devices for gaming and education has increased. However, only a few studies have investigated the effects of VR HMD on the eyes 1 – 5 .…”

Variations in intraocular pressure and visual parameters before and after using mobile virtual reality glasses and their effects on the eyes

“…Factors exerting short-term effects include food or fluid intake, changes in systemic blood pressure, and vigorous physical activity. Although most factors affecting IOP are random and inherently unstable 11 , the resulting short-term effects are observable for a limited period.In previous studies, the effects of immersive VR devices on visual parameters are all focused on the visual effects after 30 min of use [3][4][5][6][7] . However, it takes about 10 min to get into immersion using VR mobile devices.…”