The Oculus Quest 2 is a great device but the lenses can be easily damaged.
Remember the 1984 film Gremlins? If the creatures got wet, they would multiply. If they were exposed to sunlight, they would dissolve. Well, the Oculus Quest 2 isn’t really as harmful as a gremlin, but it can be harmed pretty easily — as I just found out.
First of all, it’s important to note that the Oculus Quest 2 isn’t meant to be used in sunlight. It’s actually almost impossible since any hint of sunlight ruins the tracking of the hand controllers. I have been using the Quest 2 a lot outdoors, but usually after sunset. Games like Beat Saber, SuperHot, and Creed: Rise to Glory VR are so much fun outdoors, where your virtual space is endless.
So, where did I go wrong? I can’t be completely sure, but during the day, I charged my Quest 2 in the car. That’s when the lenses were exposed. I didn’t notice until I tried playing later in the evening and noticed two blue spots in the lenses that wouldn’t disappear.
These spots were likely caused by exposing Oculus lenses to sunlight.
The spots weren’t very noticeable when a software title started but were downright annoying when the complete screen was black or dark. I tried not to let it bother me, but it did. So, I contacted Oculus Support, and they were helpful in troubleshooting the cause. They even offered to trade in my device at no cost.
Keep in mind that the Oculus warranty doesn’t normally support sun damage, but they made an exception for me this one time. I had to send it in last Wednesday, and I already miss my favorite device dearly (it may even top my Best Products of 2020 list). Since all the gyms are closed down (for the most part) in Southern California, I’ve been using the Quest 2 for my cardio workouts, and it has been a great substitute.
Besides not exposing my Quest 2 to sunlight, I could have done something else — use lens protectors! You can buy several for really cheap on Amazon, or even use the paper protectors Oculus provides in the box.
Using protectors can help light damage on your Oculus lenses.
In fact, I’m willing to recommend that you use the lens protectors any time you are not using your Quest 2. Doing this can also prevent damage from liquid spills and other types of damage. Your VR world needs to be perfect, and even the tiniest amount of damage can go a great way in ruining your virtual experience.
