Virtual Reality Safety: Health Risks For Young Users Still Largely Unknown

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Virtual reality headsets are expected to be a hot holiday gift this season.

While they may be fun to use, some doctors -- and manufacturers of the device -- say they may not be safe for young kids.

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Oculus Rift and Samsung VR gear say their virtual reality products are not for kids under 13, CBS2's Alex Denis reported. Sony Playstation recommends their products for users ages 12 and up,  and HTC just says their VR devices are "not for young children."

According to Dr. Joseph Rizzo, of Mass. Eye and Ear, the research is still out for virtual reality technology.

"There's a legitimate question about whether this much exposure to artificial digital stimuli will alter the way the brain accepts and processes visual information -- it's an unknown," Dr. Rizzo said. "But the immediate concerns have to do more with younger users because they're more prone to use them for longer periods of time."

Health concerns related to VR use include a possible increased risk of becoming nearsighted, as well as changes in the way young brains develop.

"You need to understand whether the brain is changing in some permanent way," Dr. Rizzo said.

The challenge for the eyes and brain when using virtual reality is that the images are close to your face, but it tricks your brain into seeing depth.

Doctors still do not know what that conflict means for younger users. Questions still remains on whether the research will catch up with the technology.

Rizzo advises users of VR devices to limit their sessions to around 30 minutes at at time.