It’s getting real

VR is leading many to ER, in reality. A growing number of people, who love to put on their Virtual Reality (VR) headsets to experience a virtual world — are ending up in emergency rooms with shattered fingers, rib contusions, and facial lacerations — after colliding with real-world barriers. Many VR-related injuries result from a direct blow or strike on a hard object, such as a wall, table, or doorjamb.

“As a medical professional, I’m seeing a rising trend of VR-related injuries flooding our emergency rooms. Enthusiasts of VR technology, eager to immerse themselves in virtual worlds, are neglecting the reality of their physical surroundings. The consequences are severe, with patients arriving at our ER with shattered fingers, rib contusions, and facial lacerations.These injuries are not minor, and in some cases, they require surgery or extended hospital stays. The most common causes of these accidents are collisions with walls, furniture, or other objects while wearing VR headsets. VR should be fun without sacrificing health,” says Dr Venkata Ramana K, Consultant Critical Care Medicine & HOD, Emergency Medicine, Kamineni Hospitals.

Time for a reality check?

“Remember, it’s only a game. Keep in mind the duration of your time spent in the VR set and periodically set an alarm to remind you to return to the real world,” advises Dr Ishani Chaudhary, Deformity Correction and Limb Lengthening Orthopedic specialist. She says VR players need to be completely aware of their surroundings before starting to use the VR headset so that one doesn’t trip over objects, maybe like a coffee table, the wall, or a piece of furniture.

“Remind yourself to avoid stepping onto staircases, balconies, and interacting with others in enclosed areas. It’s important with VR to not get carried away in the excitement and the immersive world but to remember that you are also engaging in a virtual reality within the scope of your reality.”

Gaming arena

One needs to engage in VR in a free and larger space, such as a gaming arena. “It’s important to remember where you can go and engage or play these VR games rather than just trying to use them anywhere and everywhere,” she says.

It’s crucial to avoid becoming completely engrossed in the thrill of VR. “It can potentially harm your health, resulting in injuries to your bones and ligaments, as well as collisions with objects. Importantly, come back to spatial awareness of your own body and the surroundings around you in real time and space,” adds Orthopedic specialist.

However, Dr Ishani believes that the concept of spatial awareness should also be emphasised in everyday life. “Many individuals become deeply engaged and engrossed in their use of gadgets, watching videos while driving or listening to something. Therefore, it’s crucial to actively disengage from this and become more mindful of our body and environment,” she says.

Numbers speak

The stats speak for themselves when it comes to VR headsets’ growing popularity. According to Statista Market Insights, sales of virtual reality headsets climbed from $4.42 million in 2018 to $21.76 million in 2019. By 2028, it is expected to be worth $27.26 million.

Dynamic ecosystem

Udain Singh Tomar, Senior Level Designer at Pixaera, a company pioneering the development of VR safety training modules for frontline workers says the evolution of virtual reality technology has been nothing short of extraordinary since its nascent stages in the 1980s.

“Today, we witness a dynamic ecosystem where tech giants like Meta, Apple, PlayStation, and Valve are racing to redefine immersion with cutting-edge headsets.”

However, as with any transformative technology, VR comes with its own set of challenges —chief among them being user safety in immersive environments. “When users are fully absorbed in a virtual world, the disconnect from their physical surroundings poses tangible risks,” he points out.

Collisions with furniture, accidental physical contact with others, and the mishandling of equipment — such as controllers slipping out of hands — are not uncommon. “These incidents underscore the importance of integrating robust safety mechanisms into VR systems,” he says.

Be aware

“VR headsets should be worn and used sitting safely or standing at one point. Users should be aware of what they are doing and where,” feels entrepreneur Uday Pilani, who used to run a VR company at one point. “VR technology is still in its infancy and its total potential usage is yet to be explored,” he says.

Mitigate risks

To mitigate such risks, the industry has made significant strides. “Modern VR devices feature safety innovations like adjustable wrist straps on controllers and customizable play boundaries, known as ‘guardian systems,’ which alert users when they approach the edge of their safe zones,” says Udain.

Advanced headsets now include cutting-edge passthrough technology, powered by high-resolution sensors and cameras. “This allows users to momentarily shift their focus from the virtual to the real world with a simple gesture, enhancing spatial awareness and reducing the likelihood of accidents.”

Beyond Collisions

In the excessive use of newer tech tools like VR headsets, injuries extend beyond simple bumps, says Gurjeet Singh, senior account manager in a private firm and a VR aficionado.

“Some VR headsets can generate a lot of heat, potentially causing burns on the face or scalp during prolonged use,” he says, pointing out that injuries are not limited to sprains, strains, and even concussions (in extreme cases where usage is beyond recommended) from sudden movements and loss of balance within the virtual environment.

Anxiety and Disorientation

VR can induce anxiety and disorientation, especially in individuals prone to motion sickness or those with pre-existing mental health conditions.

Social Isolation

“Excessive VR use can lead to social isolation, neglecting real-world interactions and potentially impacting social development, particularly in children,” warns Gurjeet.

Addiction

The immersive nature of VR can be highly addictive, leading to excessive use and potential neglect of responsibilities and real-life commitments. “It’s crucial to remember that these are potential risks. VR technology also offers significant benefits in various fields, including education, healthcare, entertainment, and training. However, it’s essential to be aware of the drawbacks and to use VR & new tech responsibly and safely,” he adds.

PLAY SAFE

As doctors, we urge VR enthusiasts to exercise caution and take necessary precautions to avoid these preventable injuries, says Dr Venkata Ramana K. This includes ensuring a safe playing area, removing any breakable objects, and taking regular breaks to reorient themselves with their surroundings. By being mindful of these risks, we can enjoy the benefits of VR technology while minimising its dangers.

VR headsets should be worn and used sitting safely or standing at one point. Users should be aware of what they are doing and where. Uday Pilani, entrepreneur

VR players need to be completely aware of their surroundings before starting to use the VR headset so that one doesn’t trip over objects, maybe like a coffee table, the wall, or a piece of furniture. Dr Ishani Chaudhary, orthopedic specialist

we witness a dynamic ecosystem where tech giants like Meta, Apple, PlayStation, and Valve race to redefine immersion with cutting-edge headsets.” — Udain Singh Tomar Senior Level Designer at Pixaera

As with any transformative technology, VR comes with its own set of challenges — chief among them being user safety in immersive environments.