South Korea - Doctors question effect of Google glasses on eyes

Have you ever imagined people walking along the street, digitally scanning and analysing the information of their surroundings on the spot?

This may become a reality as Google is expected to start selling eyeglasses that project information, entertainment and advertisements onto the lenses.

According to the New York Times, the glasses are not designed to be worn constantly ? although Google engineers expect some users will wear them a lot ? but will be more like smartphones, used when needed, with the lenses serving as a see-through computer monitor.

However, some eye doctors warn that Google glasses may not be such great news. They claim that people surrounded by these high-tech gadgets could suffer damaged visibility and eye diseases in the long run.

Smartphone? Not so smart to the eyes

Dr. Song Jong-seok of Korea University Guro Hospital said staring at a smartphone for a long period of time could cause an eye infection.

"It could cause dry eye syndrome, leaving the surface of the eye very vulnerable. Just a little scratch could cause inflammation," he said.

National Health Insurance Corporation data shows that the number of adults suffering from dry eye syndrome has surged 30 per cent since 2006.

Google glasses, dizzy eyes

It has been almost 15 years since the glasses monitor was developed. But not many people are even aware of its existence.

Just wearing such glasses for five minutes could cause migraines in some sensitive people, doctors said.

Google glasses, or any other 3D glasses, may put more stress on the eyes because he or she may feel as though they are looking through two overlapping glasses, experts say.

"Imagine, this will make you even dizzier," said professor Jeong Jin-ho of Hanbat National University.

He also said they could cause dry eye syndrome.

"Try to move your eyeballs. Try to look at a distant place. Give your eyes a break. Always remember not to use those gadgets for a long period of time," Jeong said.

Bae Ji-sook

The Korea Herald/Asia News Network

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