Odyssey Plus with ED has injured my eyes

[Kyokushin]

I'm contemplating a Reverb or biting the bullet and getting an XTAL but I sense a rather serious convo with my optician first. I suspect they're just going to say that me and VR are done.

If you have IPD around 63 (Reverb have only software adjustment) then its best VR deal at now.
I switched from O+ to Reverb and its like day and night. Everything is perfectly clear, its near screen quality.
In addition - you do not need to use SuperSampling and finally you will have more FPS than on O+. HP Reverb is simply mindlbowing.

I got mine here, they have on stock.

LambdaTek Component Shop - CPUs, Memory, Monitors, Printers, Storage, Networking, Software + more

 

[aXeL]

Might I humbly suggest only ordering from HP. It's the only way to be sure one is getting the fixed version. It was clear from advertisers that they were still selling the broken version months after HP recalled them.

 

[Kyokushin]

how to recognize old and new?

 

[aXeL]

how to recognize old and new?

The new one has a different model number ending in something like -2XX or -200. If you see -1XX or -100 or no hyphenated suffix then it's a version 'one'. I ordered direct from HP so I knew I'd be safe.

 

[A D]

you should have gone to the doctor way sooner.

i'm still not convinced that your issues are entirely related to vr, unless there's something really off with the odyssey plus. i've had larger exposures than that with a rift and never had a problem (and i am old and do have vision issues), a bit of re-adaptation after use at most. wish you all the best.

Pretty much this. There are a lot of VR users (on this forum alone) and one would expect other complaints if the tech was causing problems. That being said, the OP does need to find out what is happening so visiting the doc is a smart move. Hope it works out. I'd like to know what the doc says about prolonged VR usage and whether there is any scientific data around this.

Re the HP Reverb VR headset, at first glance has good specs and is reasonably priced but suffered a poor release (display and cable problems) so it's more "wait and see what happens" when it comes to the HP Reverb and the VR space generally.

 

[VR - wickfut]

The new one has a different model number ending in something like -2XX or -200. If you see -1XX or -100 or no hyphenated suffix then it's a version 'one'. I ordered direct from HP so I knew I'd be safe.

That's not true. The 1xx or 100 is the old HP WMR 1440p headset and not the Reverb. All Reverbs have that -2xx serial.
The differences between the two revisions are to fix the screen flickering due to weak connections of the cables. You get a plastic clip and a better connection joint.
To find out what revision yours is you check the date on the sticker on one of the little bags which comes in your box. If it's before July '19 and doesn't have a plastic clip then it's Rev 1.
If you're in the UK and you didn't get the initial pre-order batch then you have the rev 2.

 

[aXeL]

That's not true. The 1xx or 100 is the old HP WMR 1440p headset and not the Reverb. All Reverbs have that -2xx serial.
The differences between the two revisions are to fix the screen flickering due to weak connections of the cables. You get a plastic clip and a better connection joint.
To find out what revision yours is you check the date on the sticker on one of the little bags which comes in your box. If it's before July '19 and doesn't have a plastic clip then it's Rev 1.
If you're in the UK and you didn't get the initial pre-order batch then you have the rev 2.

Thanks wickfut, didn't know that. That said, that's not how I read the articles when I was looking into buying so I probably misread it and got lucky. Thank God I ordered directly from HP otherwise I might have wound up with a 1st gen Reverb regardless!!

Asking you before I order my next one!

 

[Kyokushin]

The new one has a different model number ending in something like -2XX or -200. If you see -1XX or -100 or no hyphenated suffix then it's a version 'one'. I ordered direct from HP so I knew I'd be safe.

Thanx. So mine from lambda-tek.com have -2000. I also have a plastic clip (it looks like 3D printed). 26-08-19 a date on the sticker on the little bag.

 

[Spruxxx]

Hi All,

An observation/cautionary advice. Hopefully, it's just affected me and no-one else. The plus side up front is that, now I've stopped with the O+ and ED, after about 3 weeks, my eyes have mostly recovered, although I'm back at the Opticians tomorrow to see if there maybe any lasting effect....

Ouch I hope you are doing OK now. Having a father who is a retired eye surgeon / opthalmologist, and being a techie and musician who sits in front of screens all day for a job, I have always been acutely aware of the perils of screens. Did you find out what is the cause? WMR bug? Surely not just the Odyssey by itself, as it would affect many people?

Putting VR aside, the mantra of regular breaks, and refocusing on far objects to exercise both sets of eye muscles is really very important for everyone. If it is suggested to wear glasses daily, do it - not doing so may cause your vision to deteriorate, but conversely, doing so can actually improve your vision, as happened to me. I didn't pay attention when I was younger, but now I have been able to reduce the strength of glasses and contact lenses over time, especially in my right eye. Of course we can only fight the effects of advancing age so much, but naturally everything we can do in advance will help

 

[aXeL]

Ouch I hope you are doing OK now. Having a father who is a retired eye surgeon / opthalmologist, and being a techie and musician who sits in front of screens all day for a job, I have always been acutely aware of the perils of screens. Did you find out what is the cause? WMR bug? Surely not just the Odyssey by itself, as it would affect many people?

Putting VR aside, the mantra of regular breaks, and refocusing on far objects to exercise both sets of eye muscles is really very important for everyone. If it is suggested to wear glasses daily, do it - not doing so may cause your vision to deteriorate, but conversely, doing so can actually improve your vision, as happened to me. I didn't pay attention when I was younger, but now I have been able to reduce the strength of glasses and contact lenses over time, especially in my right eye. Of course we can only fight the effects of advancing age so much, but naturally everything we can do in advance will help

So just an update: my eyes, after six weeks, give or take, have pretty much recovered to the point where, if I want, I can use the monitor without my glasses again ( but since my glasses make my eyes stay relaxed, it's a no-brainer ). This also highlights that my eyes have reverted to their original prescription for my previous glasss. After the original problem, my old glasses were no good at all but now they're great again. With my focus relaxed, I can see the individual pixels on my screen so they're definitely back to normal or close to it.

The Reverb is better but not perfect. A heavy gaming session on this and my eyes seem to need between a few hours and, at most, a day or so for my eyes be able to focus normally again.

I'm starting to think that VR should be added to the list of things 'they used to say' were ok: paracetamol, vaping, salmon, soya, blue light, daily aspirin, eggs, guinness, radon spas, electric cars and potatoes.... what else

Loaned the O+ to a mate ( and before anyone says, 'you b*****d' that's so mean ) I told him just don't put the damned thing over his eyes for more than a few minutes at a time.

 

[aXeL]

Some lessons learned, that work for me personally:

1. As advised above, take more breaks. My screen is in front of a window so I can just lift the visor up and see trees.
2. My optician advised that all I have to do, for a break, is give my eyes 20 seconds rest or so ( I usually go for a minute ) and that's enough for a quick break. She also made it clear I should blink, hard, 2-3 times while taking a break.
3. I have practiced, consciously, relaxing my focus in the game. Much harder than I thought. The minute things get busy, I forget and my eyes try to focus but I'm getting better
4. Set the IPD wider than my eyes. I'm about 64.8 so I use 65.5. This seems to make a huge reduction in stress on my eyes. Not sure why but guessing because my vision isn't trying to converge on something 1 inch away.
5. Use the 'norotation' setting in SteamVR config
6. Use the highest resolution headset I can get my hands on, cost be damned, my eyes are worth preserving. As soon as the Pmax 8K X is out - I'm having it, quirks and all...

 

[Balmung]

Interesting. Specially that with the wider IPD. Maybe the IPD setting at the Reverb is wrong? Or is your IPD different for every eye? For example I have exact 32mm + 32mm. Some people have for example 31mm + 32mm, so it can be that for that people a IPD of 63mm in the software didn't work perfect.

Can understand 1. and 2., it is the same when you sit ahead a monitor, your eyes are too long focused on a fixed distance. It is the same with todays VR headsets, that are fixed on a ~1.5m distance. I heard that from my ophthalmologist too.

 

[Spruxxx]

Good news and yes interesting about the IPD. I went to my optician to book an appointment a few days back, and asked if at the same time they could properly measure IPD and 'near IPD' for me, and they said "Sorry we don't give that information to customers" What, is that a secret? Are you reserving it for Facebook data collection??

In case you haven't seen it, first impressions of the 8KX, 8k+, and MAS strap and Comfort Kit from Day 1 of VR Days, more to come this afternoon. None of it is finalised, but feedback from first impressions seems positive:

 

[sgurr]

@aXeL, really good to hear your eyes are back to normal

Good news and yes interesting about the IPD. I went to my optician to book an appointment a few days back, and asked if at the same time they could properly measure IPD and 'near IPD' for me, and they said "Sorry we don't give that information to customers" What, is that a secret? Are you reserving it for Facebook data collection??
...

I'd encourage you not to accept that answer. It's your data/information, not theirs.

 

[Spruxxx]

@aXeL, really good to hear your eyes are back to normal


I'd encourage you not to accept that answer. It's your data/information, not theirs.

Indeed, I was quite surprised by that answer, and from a good opticians. On the day of the appointment I'll ask again, hopefully the tester will accommodate me

 

[aXeL]

Well I just want to say a really big "thank you" to all of you for all your advice and suggestions. You're great Peeps in my book!

Now for that other VR curse; indeed the bane of my existence. Nay....

THE VR HEADSTRAP CENTER PARTING!!

I tried brushing forward, backward, washing it etc. No amount of hair wax gonna fix that b****

 

[Spruxxx]

Ha well there's no solution to that, accept it as a badge of honour. Welcome to the Holy VR Brotherhood, they chose the haircut for a reason

"Oh Lord of VR, should I use 8KX or the Reverb today? It is a tough decision, give me a sign!!"

 

[aXeL]

Sell your 8KX to me, solves your problem and then I can carry the burden for you Yup, I'm about as deep as an oil stain....

BTW how did you get the 8KX, have they launched?

 

[A D]

The OP's commitment to VR cannot be questioned. : )

 

[A D]

Good news and yes interesting about the IPD. I went to my optician to book an appointment a few days back, and asked if at the same time they could properly measure IPD and 'near IPD' for me, and they said "Sorry we don't give that information to customers" What, is that a secret? Are you reserving it for Facebook data collection??

The IPD is the distance between the centre of your eyes when looking straight forward. You can have a friend measure it with a ruler. For example, I measured mine at 65 mm. When I last had my eyes tested the optometrist used an electronic gizzmo to do the same thing and came up with 65 mm on the first reading and 65.5 mm on a second reading.

As for not giving that information to you, that's just borderline rude. The measurement is used for eyeglasses prescriptions which the optometrist is usually happy to provide (although he would prefer that you buy your glasses from the same place), so IMO the optometrist is just trying to make sure he gets your business by withholding information.