Experts Warn of Potential Eye Strain from AR

Mr Ali H. Muhammad 🛡
2 min readFeb 8, 2024

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The rise of augmented reality (AR) technology has brought about exciting new possibilities for businesses and consumers alike. From immersive gaming experiences to virtual shopping, AR has the potential to revolutionize the way we interact with the world around us.

However, experts are now warning of a potential downside to this emerging technology — eye strain. As more and more people start using AR glasses and headsets, concerns are being raised about the impact on our eyes.

According to Dr. Sarah Lee, an ophthalmologist at the American Academy of Ophthalmology, prolonged use of AR devices can lead to symptoms such as eye fatigue, dry eyes, and headaches. This is due to the constant need for our eyes to focus on both virtual and real-world objects simultaneously.

Our eyes are designed to work together in a coordinated way. When we use AR devices, our eyes have to constantly adjust between focusing on close-up virtual images and distant real-world objects. This can cause strain and discomfort.

In addition to these physical symptoms, there are also concerns about the potential long-term effects of AR on our vision. Some experts worry that prolonged use of AR devices could lead to myopia (nearsightedness) in children and young adults.

So what can be done to prevent these issues? The key is moderation and taking breaks. Just like with any screen time, it’s important to limit the amount of time spent using AR devices and take frequent breaks to rest our eyes. Dr. Lee also recommends following the 20–20–20 rule — every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

Furthermore, it’s important for manufacturers to prioritize user safety and consider ways to reduce eye strain in their AR devices. This could include features such as adjustable focus or limiting the amount of time spent in AR mode.

As with any new technology, it’s important to be aware of the potential risks and take precautions to protect our health. With proper usage and consideration from manufacturers, we can continue to enjoy the benefits of AR without putting our eyes at risk.

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Thank you for your time and attention. Stay safe and keep learning!

This has been Mr Ali H. Muhammad, signing off.

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Mr Ali H. Muhammad 🛡

Blockchain Architect | AI/ML, Web3 & DeFi Advocate | Marketing, Regulatory Compliance, Tech & Finance Background | Building Scalable Layer Zero & Web3 Ecosystem