California — Studies over the years have questioned whether watching too much TV is bad for your eyes. Now, a new study suggests that watching 3D TV probably is.
An experiment on 24 adults shows that watching content on a stereo 3D device hurts your eyes and brain, a research team at the University of California reported July 22.
Called “vegence-accommodation,” the study showed that 30 percent of the participants reported eye tiredness after watching an S3D film. Viewers’eyes are constantly adjusting to both the distance of the 3D content and the physical screen — causing the eyes to strain themselves throughout the duration of a film.
The researchers explained that their eyes are having to distinguish between a number of factors — including misalignment of images, inappropriate head orientation, and visibility of flicker or motion artifacts — that could possibly lead to altered vision, confusion, nausea and even convulsions.
Samsung TV, one of the biggest manufacturers of 3D TVs, funded the study that discovered eye strain complaints from some of the 24 participants. The company has taken the precaution of issuing a warning against exposure of 3D TVs to kids, teens pregnant women, people in poor health, the elderly, sleep-deprived people and anyone under the influence of alcohol.
“WARNING: children and teenagers may be more susceptible to health issues associated with viewing in 3D and should be closely supervised when viewing these images. Pregnant women, the elderly, sufferers of serious medical conditions, those who are sleep deprived or under the influence of alcohol should avoid utilizing the unit’s 3D functionality,” it reads.
With the recent popularity of both mobile devices and televisions that are developed with 3D capabilities, it is necessary to take precaution when viewing shows and movies on such platforms.
Related Links:
http://tinyurl.com/3j735tn (Journal of Vision)
http://tinyurl.com/3etsslu (TechCrunch)
