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Virtual and Augmented Reality Research Guide

This guide serves as an introduction to virtual, augmented, and mixed reality and the new resources available at Wake Tech
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Meta Quest 101 Introduction and Information Videos:

Meta Quest 2 Video Library

Please review the following health and safety information regarding the proper use of the Meta Quest 2 Virtual Reality equipment and its associated risks.  Users must review this information and sign the Virtual Reality (VR) Loan Agreement before using all VR equipment in the library.  Improper use and failure to comply with safety guidelines may result in the suspension of borrowing privileges.

*Read and Download full Meta Quest 2 Health & Safety Manual

Health and Safety Warnings

Associated Risks of Using VR.  Virtual reality makes some people feel ill during or after their session. This is sometimes referred to as cyber sickness or virtual reality sickness.  The symptoms may feel like motion sickness, and they can include, but are not limited to:

  • Eyestrain

  • Headache & neck strain

  • Looking pale (pallor)

  • Sweating

  • Dry mouth

  • Full feeling in your belly

  • Vertigo

  • Disorientation

  • Trouble with balance and coordination (ataxia)

  • Nausea and vomiting

Stop using your VR device as soon as symptoms such as nausea, dizziness, sweating, or pallor appear!  Sit still with your eyes either open or closed until you have readjusted to your environment and symptoms have ceased.  Do not drive or operate heavy machinery immediately after using virtual reality equipment.

Use Only When Unimpaired.  A comfortable, safe virtual reality experience requires an unimpaired sense of motion and balance.  Do not use the Meta Quest 2 headset when you are experiencing any of the following:

  • Tiredness or exhaustion
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Under the influence of alcohol or medication
  • Hung-over
  • Digestive distress or sensitive stomach
  • Emotional distress or anxiety
  • Suffering from cold, flu, headaches, migraines or earaches

Medical Conditions.  It is not recommended to use the Meta Quest 2 headset if you are pregnant, elderly, have vision abnormalities or psychiatric disorders, suffer from a heart condition or other serious medical condition, are prone to motion sickness or have balance problems, or are susceptible to migraines.  Those prone to seizures should not use the headset and some users may have severe dizziness, seizures, eye strain, or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns when using the device.  The headset and controllers may contain magnets or components that emit radio waves, which could affect the operation of nearby electronics, including medical devices such as cardiac pacemakers, hearing aids, and defibrillators.  Stop using the headset or controllers if you observe a persistent interference with you medical device or experience any of the above symptoms. 

Headset Adjustment.  The Meta Quest 2 weighs 17.7 ounces (a little over one pound).  To reduce the risk of discomfort and eye strain, the headset should be balanced and centered, and the distance between lenses should be appropriately set for each user.  Adjust the rear and top straps to ensure comfortable placement of the headset.  Adjust the lenses for each user by moving the eyecups directly to whichever of positions (1, 2, or 3) provides the clearest image.  When properly adjusted, the headset should fit comfortably and you should see a single, clear image.  Re-check settings after a break or after removing the headset.

Wrist straps.  Users are required to wear the provided controller wrist straps at all times while using the Meta Quest headset.

Safe Environment.  Always be aware of your surroundings before starting and while using the headset.  Use caution to avoid injury.  Only use the headset indoors, in a clear, safe area, including overhead, to avoid striking walls, furniture, objects, fans, people, and pets.  Also, avoid tripping hazards, such as rugs, uneven floors, wires, and cords.

Seated Use.  New users of virtual reality are encouraged to stay seated while they are in the VR session to avoid disorientation, motion sickness, and balance issues.  Be mindful of nearby objects such as computers, monitors, countertops, furniture, and other people.