The health effects of 3D are the aspects in which the human body is altered after the exposure of three-dimensional (3D) graphics. These health effects typically only occur when viewing

stereoscopic Stereoscopy (also called stereoscopics, or stereo imaging) is a technique for creating or enhancing the depth perception, illusion of depth in an image by means of stereopsis for binocular vision. The word ''stereoscopy'' derives . Any stere ...

autostereoscopic Autostereoscopy is any method of displaying stereoscopic images (adding binocular perception of 3D depth) without the use of special headgear, glasses, something that affects vision, or anything for eyes on the part of the viewer. Because headg ...

, and multiscopic displays. Newer types of 3D displays like

light field The light field is a vector function that describes the amount of light flowing in every direction through every point in space. The space of all possible '' light rays'' is given by the five-dimensional plenoptic function, and the magnitude of ea ...

holographic display A holographic display is a type of 3D display that utilizes light diffraction to display a three-dimensional image to the viewer. Holographic displays are distinguished from other forms of 3D displays in that they do not require the viewer to wear ...

s do not cause the same health effects. The viewing of 3D stereoscopic stimuli can cause symptoms related to vision disorders that the individual already had, as a person with a healthy

binocular vision In biology, binocular vision is a type of vision in which an animal has two eyes capable of facing the same direction to perceive a single three-dimensional image of its surroundings. Binocular vision does not typically refer to vision where an ...

shouldn't experience any side effects under three-dimensional exposure. An increase in

vergence-accommodation conflict Vergence-accommodation conflict (VAC), also known as accommodation-vergence conflict, is a visual phenomenon that occurs when the brain receives mismatching cues between vergence and accommodation of the eye. This commonly occurs in virtual reali ...

occurs as the eye changes its movement patterns to focus on the position of objects recreated by

stereoscopy Stereoscopy (also called stereoscopics, or stereo imaging) is a technique for creating or enhancing the illusion of depth in an image by means of stereopsis for binocular vision. The word ''stereoscopy'' derives . Any stereoscopic image is ...

. One may counter vergence-accommodation conflict when seeing a 3D movie or using a near-eye display system (e.g.,

augmented reality Augmented reality (AR) is an interactive experience that combines the real world and computer-generated content. The content can span multiple sensory modalities, including visual, auditory, haptic, somatosensory and olfactory. AR can be de ...

(AR) and virtual reality (VR)) adapting stereoscopic stimuli without registration function. Adverse health effects, such as oculomotor symptoms, motor disorientation, and visual fatigue on viewers after three-dimensional exposure, result from the mismatch between the visual, the proprioceptive and the vestibular stimuli.

3D on evaluating eye health

Nowadays a great array of optometrists have opted to use 3D presentations and therapies to measure eyesight accuracy. This is due to the test's requirement for the eyes to work coordinated with the brain in order to render a 3D image. According to the American Optometric Association there are approximately from 3 to 9 million people with binocular vision problems. If an individual lacks binocular vision, then a 3D perspective is impossible and simply unachievable. Watching shows and/or movies in 3D can help to point out those problems earlier, working as a screening check and noticing the lack of binocular vision so that a proper treatment can be applied. These problems may also reflect upon a fundamental vision-related problem not entirely linked to binocular vision issues. Symptoms sign that an eye condition is present, which may be:

Refractive problems

Myopia Near-sightedness, also known as myopia and short-sightedness, is an eye disease where light focuses in front of, instead of on, the retina. As a result, distant objects appear blurry while close objects appear normal. Other symptoms may include ...

(nearsightedness),

hyperopia Far-sightedness, also known as long-sightedness, hypermetropia, or hyperopia, is a condition of the eye where distant objects are seen clearly but near objects appear blurred. This blurred effect is due to incoming light being focused behind, i ...

(farsightedness) or

astigmatism Astigmatism is a type of refractive error due to rotational asymmetry in the eye's refractive power. This results in distorted or blurred vision at any distance. Other symptoms can include eyestrain, headaches, and trouble driving at nig ...

Strabismus

Strabismus Strabismus is a vision disorder in which the eyes do not properly align with each other when looking at an object. The eye that is focused on an object can alternate. The condition may be present occasionally or constantly. If present during a ...

is the lack of binocular vision. Eyes aren't properly aligned and so the input the brain has to render is in mismatch, preventing correct 3D stereoscopic perception from happening.

Amblyopia

Amblyopia Amblyopia, also called lazy eye, is a disorder of sight in which the brain fails to fully process input from one eye and over time favors the other eye. It results in decreased vision in an eye that typically appears normal in other aspects. Amb ...

, commonly known as “lazy eye”. It occurs when a single eye sends input to the brain while ignoring inputs from the other eye. This results in monocular vision.

Convergence insufficiency

Disorder in which the subject finds it difficult to keep both eyes aligned with each other, causing

asthenopia Eye strain, also known as asthenopia (from Greek ''a-sthen-opia'', grc, ἀσθενωπία, ), is a common eye condition that manifests through non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, headache, and ...

Accommodation Issues

When the inability to focus objects from varying distances is presented. Headaches,

blurred vision Blurred vision is an ocular symptom where vision becomes less precise and there is added difficulty to resolve fine details. Temporary blurred vision may involve dry eyes, eye infections, alcohol poisoning, hypoglycemia, or low blood pressure. ...

and general vision discomfort are presented in subjects who have this condition and are exposed to 3D effects.

Nausea and/or dizziness

Seeing 3D movies can increase rating of symptoms of

nausea Nausea is a diffuse sensation of unease and discomfort, sometimes perceived as an urge to vomit. While not painful, it can be a debilitating symptom if prolonged and has been described as placing discomfort on the chest, abdomen, or back of the ...

oculomotor The oculomotor nerve, also known as the third cranial nerve, cranial nerve III, or simply CN III, is a cranial nerve that enters the orbit (anatomy), orbit through the superior orbital fissure and innervates extraocular muscles that enable mo ...

and

disorientation Orientation is a function of the mind involving awareness of three dimensions: time, Location (geography), place and person. Problems with orientation lead to ''dis''orientation, and can be due to various conditions, from delirium to Substance int ...

, especially in women with susceptible visual-vestibular system. This is caused by a “disagreement” between the

vestibular system The vestibular system, in vertebrates, is a sensory system that creates the sense of balance and spatial orientation for the purpose of coordinating movement with balance. Together with the cochlea, a part of the auditory system, it constitutes ...

and the visual input, causing that the body interprets it is moving, creating a contradiction with the vestibular system. This effect is also noticeable with 2D movies shown in a theater with a large field of view, like in an IMAX dome theater or

planetarium A planetarium ( planetariums or ''planetaria'') is a theatre built primarily for presenting educational and entertaining shows about astronomy and the night sky, or for training in celestial navigation. A dominant feature of most planetarium ...

Diagnosis

An optometrist should be consulted to check the eyesight if: *

Headaches Headache is the symptom of pain in the face, head, or neck. It can occur as a migraine, tension-type headache, or cluster headache. There is an increased risk of depression in those with severe headaches. Headaches can occur as a result of m ...

eyestrain Eye strain, also known as asthenopia (from Greek ''a-sthen-opia'', grc, ἀσθενωπία, ), is a common eye condition that manifests through non-specific symptoms such as fatigue, pain in or around the eyes, blurred vision, headache, and ...

dizziness Dizziness is an imprecise term that can refer to a sense of disorientation in space, vertigo, or lightheadedness. It can also refer to disequilibrium or a non-specific feeling, such as giddiness or foolishness. Dizziness is a common medical c ...

, or nausea after watching

3D film 3D films are motion pictures made to give an illusion of three-dimensional solidity, usually with the help of special glasses worn by viewers. They have existed in some form since 1915, but had been largely relegated to a niche in the motion pict ...

s are experienced. * You have difficulty adjusting your vision.

3D and children

Basic binocularity is already developed when the child is from 6 to 12 months old. Vision is well formed when reaching the age of 3 years, by this moment children can watch three-dimensional graphics without involving risks to their eye health. In case of presenting

Photosensitive epilepsy Photosensitive epilepsy (PSE) is a form of epilepsy in which seizures are triggered by visual stimuli that form patterns in time or space, such as flashing lights; bold, regular patterns; or regular moving patterns. PSE affects approximately o ...

(PSE), precautions should be taken. The risk of an episode is present with 3D viewing as with 2D viewing. Although the risks are present in both cases there is no evidence, whatsoever that points out that 3D factors in visual effects have a greater influence on inducing PSE. It is rather important to emphasize the great benefits of regular eye exams. As of 2012, and according to the National Health Interview Survey, only an alarming percentage of 7% attend to an eye examination in the 12 months prior to the beginning of first grade.

References

{{reflist Visual perception Ophthalmology Stereoscopy 3D imaging 3D