Skip to content

Is Virtual Reality Safe?

    Some people have concerns over virtual reality having negative health effects. In this article we will discuss to which extent and if VR poses and serious health risks.

    Risks and Benefits Of Using VR

    Virtual reality has both benefits and risks for your health. Some benefits include improved communication skills, increased concentration and focus, and the ability to live a healthier lifestyle. Some risks include eye strain and fatigue, motion sickness, and potential addiction.

    It can be important to monitor your health after using virtual reality for the first few times. Make sure that you don’t notice and strange symptoms such as dizziness and drowsiness when not using your headset. If you do, you should ideally talk to your health professional about continuing use of VR headsets. It could also mean your body just needs time to adapt to virtual reality! It is important to be safe though.

    Are VR Headsets Dangerous To The Eyes?

    Virtual reality is generally considered safe for the eyes, but it is important to take precautions to reduce eye strain and fatigue. Some tips for using VR safely include limiting the amount of time you spend in virtual reality, taking breaks, and keeping your eyes focused on the distance rather than focusing on objects up close (when using the headset).

    How VR Can Help Improve Mental Health

    Virtual reality can improve mental health by providing users with a sense of adventure and wellbeing, helping to improve cognitive function and memory, and increasing empathy and social connection. It can also allow people to express themselves in ways that are different from reality. It is however important to remember that virtual worlds are NOT real and should not really be used in place of having real life social interactions.

    How To Stay Safe When Using Virtual Reality

    Some tips for staying safe when using a VR headset include:

    – Limiting your time in VR and taking breaks. This helps reduce eye strain and fatigue.

    – Setting up a safe and comfortable playing space. This helps avoid injuries and reduces the risk of falling or tripping.

    – Storing your headset in a safe space when not in use. This helps protect the headset from germs and reduces the risk of damage over time.

    Conclusion

    Virtual reality is deemed by most people as safe. As with most things though, you should take precations and always remember to keep an eye out for any adverse health effects you think you might be experiencing from using your VR headset. First time users often experience a a bit of motion sickness, that is normal. If you still get motion sick after a month of active use, it’s probably best to get an opinion from your healthcare professional.