A new real-time imaging study reveals that VR gaming rapidly reshapes the eye’s protective tear layer, raising its temperature and thickening its lipid film. However, overall tear stability and symptoms remain unchanged.
A new study published in Scientific Reports demonstrates real-time changes in tear film dynamics during a virtual reality (VR) game session. However, no improvements in dry eye symptoms were detected, and the authors caution that structural changes alone do not necessarily indicate improved tear film stability.
Dry eye disease is a very common eye condition characterized by tear film instability and fragmentation. Prolonged use of visual display, which reduces eye blink rate and increases aqueous tear evaporation from the eye surface, significantly contributes to dry eye disease development. The condition is associated with eye discomfort and visual impairment.
A rapid and exponential global growth of the VR gaming market in recent years has raised concerns about ocular safety, as users of VR headsets must continuously focus on dynamic screen images from a very short viewing distance. This type of visual process can potentially affect tear film stability.
The tear film consists of three distinct layers: inner mucin, middle aqueous, and outer lipid layers, which collectively help protect the eye and maintain clear vision. Existing evidence suggests that the use of VR headsets is associated with reduced blink rates and increased eye discomfort. However, some studies have also reported an improvement in tear film stability after VR use.
Given the uncertainty in previous findings and considering the potential impact of VR use on eye health, researchers developed a novel VR system that uses an ultra-compact camera for real-time monitoring of tear film dynamics during VR gaming sessions.
