Time-course observation of tear film dynamics during VR headset use

Dry eye disease is characterized by tear film instability, often linked to a reduced blink rate during prolonged visual display use. Although blink suppression during virtual reality (VR) headset use has been reported, its effect on tear film stability remains unclear. Accordingly, we developed a system using an ultra-compact camera for the time-course, noninvasive observation of tear film dynamics. Fourteen healthy participants played a 30-min VR game while tear film kinetics were analyzed. As gameplay progressed, a significant increase in the interference grade of the tear film lipid layer was observed (p < 0.05), along with elevated corneal and upper eyelid surface temperatures (p < 0.05). The increased interference grade suggests thickening of the lipid layer, possibly attributable to a periocular temperature elevation which may result in facilitation of the incorporation of polar lipids into the nonpolar lipid layer. These findings suggest that VR headset use may increase lipid layer thickness, potentially improving tear film stability under these conditions.