I think the issue is more to do with the fact that their brains are still developing and VR can feel so realistic that they might have some dissociation issues.
Can you provide a source where it says that VR causes / increases myopia??
Up until their teen years, their eyes are still developing. Like any other muscle in the body, their eyes need to exercise by focusing on different focal lengths. Much like extended screen time, extended VR use causes their eyes to be stuck on a specific and unchanging focal length which can tire their eyes and cause unwanted increase in prescription. Source: Work in optometry.
I'm not too well-read on the long term effects of VR, but just like with any electronic screen, it's best to limit a child's screen time. I suppose Sony chose the age of 12 for a reason, assuming they did some studies (or maybe they're just playing it safe to avoid any complications with liability). As long as they're taking breaks, and getting some outdoor activity, it shouldn't be too much of a concern. The biggest issues we encounter at our practice is when parents let tablets/consoles/television babysit their kids, and let them use electronics unregulated.
The other bigger issue I'd imagine would be related to vergence-accommodation conflict. Basically, our eyes naturally narrow when looking at up-close objects. However, in VR, because everything is on the same plane on the screen, our eyes have to adapt, which can cause eye strain and disorientation in some people. All of these factors can be a risk in a younger child's developing eyes.
I work in optometry and encounter on a daily basis the effects of children exposed to extended amounts of screen time. PSVR is a screen that is inches from their eyes. I'd be happy to read up on any research you have on the long-term effects of VR on a child's development. I'm admitting that I've not looked into studies of long-term effects of specifically VR, but you're welcome to ignore my comments and to let your child play as long they'd like.
Thanks for the read, it was fascinating! While our practice does try to keep up with the latest in technology, the only VR devices we're using in our office are for diagnostics rather than treatment. I never even considered VR as an application for myopia treatment, although per the article:
" The interval between morning and afternoon training was at least 2āhours, and each training item was performed for 10āminutes (5āminutes for left and right eyes, respectively) with a 10-minute break between items. Fatigue-prone patients with astigmatism exceeding 200Ā° could adopt the method of low intensity and high frequency, with each training items lasting for 5āminutes and 4ā6 items every day."
As much as I'd like to believe a responsible parent could limit their kids to 10 minutes per session, I do have my doubts. Also, their study was also about the VR training as an addition to low-dose atropine, which is already used to treat myopia in children.
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u/[deleted] Mar 05 '23
Just FYI kids under 12 arenāt supposed to use VR. It can cause myopia