Google Glass isn't even out yet, and people are heralding the part-camera, part-mobile device as the future — a revolutionary product that will surely change the way we use (and view) technology.
But some vision specialists are worried the high-tech specs, which you'll be able to wear on your head, could lead to health issues, including eye strain, headaches and neck pain.
"While Google Glass is a brand new interactive heads-up display (HUD) technology, there are some things we can presume based on the information Google has released," said Dr. Nathan Bonilla-Warford, a VSP optometrist for Bright Eyes Family Vision.
"Consumers may experience a physiological impact while wearing these glasses, such as increased eye-strain and dry eyes from reduced blinking," he added. "This could ultimately cause headaches and neck pain and are the symptoms of computer vision syndrome or digital eye strain."
Most people who spend long hours in front of the computer or mobile devices know the discomfort associated with prolonged eyestrain. That could also be compounded by the fact that Google Glass will be extremely near the eye, increasing the chances of irritability.
"The glasses themselves are too close for the eyes to focus, so the display alters the light so that the perceived image is located up and to the side, about two feet away from the user," said Warford, adding that despite the effect, it will still cause straining.
A Google spokesperson told Mashable that the company has studied design comfort and safety very closely, and hasn't found a cause for concern. They said it plans to continue to watch this area carefully.
Meanwhile, Dr. Michael Ehrenhaus of New York Cornea Consultants believes eyestrain isn't going to be as much of a concern as the distraction it can cause users on the street.
"We still need to learn more about the technology and what exactly people will be seeing, but there may not be a lot of eye straining at all," Ehrenhaus said.
"The bigger issue is that you don't want to fall into a manhole while trying to look at an image in the glass."
Research has been conducted on pilots and drivers in the past reveal that when a person is mentally focused on the HUD, they are not paying attention to the world around them.
Warford agrees, noting clinical studies will eventually evaluate concentration factors, as well as visual skills and ocular physiology before and after extended use of Google Glasses to see its impact.
"For now, we can extrapolate what we know about visual processing of HUD data, the eye movements needed to use the glasses and the effects of prolonged digital screen usage," he added. "Consumers should also keep in mind the experience will not be like the original concept video or the holy-grail of augmented reality. It will be more like a phone you can see without having to hold."
What do you think about the possible health concerns surrounding Google Glass? Would you be nervous to give it a try or can you not wait to get your hands on it? Let us know in the comments.
Google Glass: How It Will Look"
OK, Glass..."
More than a catchphrase, "OK, Glass" is how the wearer will engage the headset, enabling it to listen to commands.
Taking a Photo
One of the most basic things Glass will be able to do is capture photos of whatever the wearer is looking at.
Recording Video
Similarly, the onboard camera will also be able to record videos.
Quick Communication
Here's how it'll look to receive a message.
Flight Alert
Location-based or timed alerts will appear on Glass like so.
Navigation
Showing maps based on the users point of view is potentially one of the most useful features of Google Glass.
Google+ Hangout
Glass will be able to share the wearer's POV via Google+ Hangout.
Brooklyn Bridge Query
The wearer can call search Google for answers to questions verbally.
Brooklyn Bridge Answer
Answers to queries appear similar to how voice search in Google Now works -- giving the user the one answer that they're looking for rather than a series of links.
Translation Query
Google envisions that fast translations of single words or phrases will be a common query for Google Glass.
Translation Answer
Here's how the answer will look, accompanied by an audio pronunciation.
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