Are 3D Movies and TV Bad For Your Eyes?

A recent article in the New York Times references research done by Gifu University in Japan that indicates viewing 3D televisions (and movies) can cause unnatural eye movements which account for reports of some people feeling motion sick or having blurred vision afterward. The issue boils down to how our eyes react to objects at various distances in the real world versus these new virtual worlds. In reality, when an object moves closer to us, our eyes converge and the lenses in our eyes also change shape to maintain focus. With a 3D movie or television, the first process happens, but our eyes stay focused on the screen or television panel. This is not a natural behavior and may account for why some people react negatively to 3D content.

The even bigger question that doesn’t appear to have much written about it at this point is how 3D will affect the developing eyes of children? With 3D TVs hitting stores this month and 3D movies, television shows and video games soon to be making major appearances, it could be very possible kids will be spending hours and hours viewing 3D content with their eyes in this unnatural situation. Could that create future problems? Only time (and research) will answer that question, but in the meantime, parents may want to keep close tabs on the amount of 3D viewing their children consume.

Finally, how do you feel about 3D movies? Is this a passing fad? Do you prefer seeing a movie in 3D, or do you think it should be reserved for big “special” releases? Let us know using the link below…

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