Influence of Virtual Reality on Visual Fuctions: Immersive Versus Non-Immersive Mode
Abstract Background To investigate differences in refraction, accommodative factors, ocular parameters, and subjective symptoms after using two types of virtual reality (VR) content with different perception depths. Methods Twenty-three volunteers, who played VR games in two modes (immersive and non-immersive) for 30 min, were enrolled. Ocular parameters were examined before and after using VR. Accommodative factors were measured using static and dynamic methods, and subjective symptoms were assessed using a questionnaire. Differences according to VR content and correlations between each ocular parameter were analyzed. Results There were no changes in refraction and accommodative factors after use of the VR. However, there was a significant increase in near point accommodation (NPA), near point convergence (NPC), and subjective symptom scores after using the immersive mode. Correlation analysis revealed that NPA and accommodative lag were increased in subjects with exophoria, and that subjects with high NPA or NPC were more likely to exhibit an increase in mean accommodative lag. Conclusions The use of VR for 30 min reduced NPA and NPC especially after the immersive mode was used. In addition, using VR could further increase accommodation lag and reduce the amplitude of accommodation and convergence in subjects with exophoria.