Impact Of Excessive Virtual Reality Headset Use On Internal Temperature, Humidity, And Dry Eye Syndrome: A Continuous Monitoring Study

With the widespread use of virtual reality (VR) devices, investigating dry eye symptoms during VR use is crucial. This study monitors temperature and humidity changes in real-time within VR devices and analyzes dry eye symptoms before and after use. Previous research has focused on environmental factors or physiological responses separately. This study evaluates both to clarify the impact of VR on dry eye syndrome. It provides evidence that VR use contributes to visual discomfort, including dry eye syndrome, and serves as foundational research for improving VR design and user safety. Arduino and DHT11 sensors monitor temperature and humidity fluctuations inside the VR headset and assess their impact on dry eye symptoms.

The study participants were selected from healthy university students, excluding individuals with symptoms of dry eye or a history of ocular surface surgery. A total of 70 participants were included in the final sample. Changes in ocular internal temperature and humidity were monitored over time, and dry eye tests along with the Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire were administered before and after excessive use of virtual reality (VR).

Participants underwent Tear Film Break-Up Time (TBUT) and Schirmer tests before and after VR use to assess tear stability and volume. The Ocular Surface Disease Index (OSDI) questionnaire measured subjective dry eye severity, with higher scores indicating more severe symptoms. Participants wore a VR headset (Oculus Quest 2, Meta, USA), and temperature and humidity were monitored with an Arduino system and DHT11 sensor, recording every 2.5 seconds. After adapting to a lab environment (27°C, 55% humidity) for 20 minutes, they watched a 50-minute video. Statistical analysis and data visualization were performed using Python (version 3.9.0).

In this study, humidity peaked at 69.87 ± 6.23% 2 minutes and 50 seconds after wearing the VR headset, then gradually decreased, showing no significant difference from the initial value. This temporary increase did not affect tear film stability. Humidity remained within the recommended 30% to 60% range, with no significant changes in dry eye indicators before and after VR use. In contrast, temperature steadily rose, and the heat index increased. Objective dry eye test results were not significant, but subjective symptoms differed. Temperature increased continuously, with no significant change after 40 minutes. Humidity rose after VR use and declined, with no significant difference after 25 minutes(p>0.05).

Changes in internal temperature and humidity during VR headset use did not have a statistically significant effect on objective dry eye indicators. However, the sustained increase in temperature and heat index may have influenced subjective perceptions of dry eye symptoms. These results suggest that both quantitative metrics and user-reported symptoms should be considered in dry eye research. Furthermore, continued research and technological advancements are essential to alleviate thermal discomfort within headset devices and ensure user comfort and long-term ocular health.