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Health & Safety Warning

Last Updated: May 11, 2026

Important Health and Safety Information​

Read these health and safety warnings before using vrOS (Virtual Reality Operating System). These warnings are based on general VR safety guidance and apply to anyone using a head-mounted display.

vrOS does not add software-side comfort enforcement

vrOS is a SteamVR overlay system. It does not implement automatic break reminders, neck-angle restrictions, motion smoothing, boundary haptics, or any other comfort enforcement features. Use the safety tools provided by your headset runtime (SteamVR play area / guardian boundary, headset-level comfort settings) and follow the practices below.

General precautions​

Consult your physician​

  • Before using VR: Consult your doctor if you are pregnant, elderly, have pre-existing binocular vision abnormalities or psychiatric disorders, suffer from a heart condition, or have other serious medical conditions.
  • Seizure warning: Some people (about 1 in 4000) may experience severe dizziness, seizures, epileptic seizures, or blackouts triggered by light flashes or patterns while using VR, even with no prior history.

Age restrictions​

  • vrOS is not recommended for children under the age of 13.
  • Adults should monitor children (age 13 and older) during and after use for any of the symptoms described below.
  • Prolonged use should be avoided, as it may negatively affect hand-eye coordination, balance, and multi-tasking.

Safe environment​

Clear your play space​

Before using vrOS:

  • Ensure your play area is clear of furniture, objects, stairs, balconies, windows, walls, and other hazards.
  • Remember that while in VR you may not be aware of your surroundings.
  • Use your headset's boundary/guardian system. These help, but are not foolproof.
  • Never use VR outdoors or near roads, water, or other dangerous areas.

Stay seated when possible​

  • Seated use reduces the risk of loss of balance and falls.
  • Standing or room-scale use increases that risk and requires more cleared space.

Health warnings​

Motion sickness​

VR can cause motion sickness. Symptoms include:

  • Nausea
  • Discomfort
  • Disorientation
  • Headache
  • Fatigue

If you experience any discomfort:

  1. Stop using vrOS immediately.
  2. Remove your headset.
  3. Rest until symptoms subside.
  4. Do not drive or operate machinery until fully recovered.

Eye strain and fatigue​

Extended use may cause:

  • Eye strain
  • Eye fatigue
  • Eye discomfort
  • Blurred vision

Prevention:

  • Take a 10–15 minute break every 30 minutes.
  • Adjust your headset's IPD (interpupillary distance) setting.
  • Ensure proper headset fit.
  • Maintain a sensible distance for any captured overlays you read in vrOS — text that feels too close is a comfort problem.

Repetitive stress injuries​

Like other extended computer or controller use, VR may cause:

  • Muscle, joint, or skin discomfort
  • Tingling, numbness, burning, or stiffness

If symptoms occur:

  • Stop and rest for several hours.
  • Consult a doctor if symptoms persist.

Exiting vrOS quickly​

If you need to stop using vrOS for any reason, the fastest options are:

  • Remove your headset. Always available, always works.
  • Open the SteamVR system menu to pause or quit SteamVR.
  • Right-click the vrOS icon in the Windows system tray → Quit vrOS to fully shut down the desktop side.

See Shortcuts & Gestures for the full tray menu and recovery actions.

Best practices​

  1. Start slowly — begin with short sessions (15–30 minutes) and gradually increase.
  2. Stay hydrated — keep water nearby.
  3. Good posture — maintain proper seated posture; adjust your chair and headset for neutral neck angle.
  4. Proper lighting — ensure your room has adequate lighting for any external tracking.
  5. Clean equipment — keep lenses clean for optimal clarity.
  6. Listen to your body — stop immediately if you feel unwell.

Medical conditions​

Do not use vrOS if you have any of the following without first consulting a physician:

  • Epilepsy or seizure disorders
  • Severe motion sickness susceptibility
  • Serious heart conditions
  • Psychiatric disorders that may be aggravated by VR

Interference with medical devices​

VR headsets may contain magnets or emit radio waves that could affect:

  • Cardiac pacemakers
  • Hearing aids
  • Defibrillators
  • Other medical devices

Consult your physician and device manufacturer before use.

Disclaimer​

Use of vrOS is at your own risk. catnet systems assumes no responsibility for injuries or property damage resulting from use or misuse of the software. By using vrOS, you acknowledge that you have read and understood these warnings.

Contact​

For health and safety questions:

catnet systems is operated by Cute & Funny LLC, a New Mexico limited liability company.

These warnings are based on general VR industry safety guidance.