Reducing eyestrain from 3D movies and games
The Safety Agency is concerned about the impact of 3D movies and games on healthy vision - particularly in children below the age of 6.
According to a recently published report by the The Safety Agency, 3D movies and games could be the root cause of numerous issues in adults, and especially children. This article presents the experts' conclusions and recommendations for decreasing the potential risks.
MOVIES, AND GAMES IN 3D ARE HARMFUL TO THE EYES
In order to achieve depth perception, the eyes converge (meaning that they are directed to the same object) and accommodate (the lens of every eye deforms to obtain a clearer vision) at the same distance. That is, the distance of the observed object. The technique of the restitution stereoscopic (in 3D) does not respect this physiological principle.
For this reason, 3D movies and games quickly can cause some visual tiredness. This can cause pain within the eye and vision disorders (double vision, reduced sensitivity to spatial contrasts, decreased visual acuteness and speed of perception). The experts are also alerted to other symptoms: headaches, back or shoulder pain, concentration difficulties and even, in some cases, dizziness. These effects could be more marked in children whose visual system has not matured, in adolescents younger than 13 years, and in adults who have developed some vision disorders (accommodation troubles, ocular refracting troubles).
Consequently, the experts do not advise exposing children younger than 6 years to 3D technology. Moreover, 3D movies and games should be moderated for those younger than 13 years and those suffering with accommodation or ocular refracting issues.
SOME ADVICE FOR REDUCING VISUAL TIREDNESS
- If you feel a discomfort because of 3D movies or games, do not stay in front of the screen for too long and see an ophthalmologist to identify a possible pathology.
- Do not sit too close to the screen. The further away you are, the less strain there is on your sight.
- Do not remove your glasses or corrective lenses when watching/ playing 3D movies and games.
- Follow the instructions provided by the manufacturers of 3D products.
Maureen Diament
