Is it harmful to watch movies in 3D?

betsykatie    October 16, 2022    HEALTH    Comment   

Do 3D movies harm our eyesight, are there any restrictions on the number of views, and how can people with poor eyesight watch movies in 3D - say Happy Look optics experts.

Content

• The effect of 3D movies on vision
• Contraindications for watching movies in 3D
• 3D glasses and corrective optics
• Recommendations of ophthalmologists

3D technology and its impact on vision

The three-dimensional films that have taken the industry by storm are created in the following way: scenes are filmed with a camera with two lenses. Each lens captures the image from its own angle, that is, for the right and left eyes separately.

It is due to this that a three-dimensional picture is obtained - different frames are shown to the right and left eyes. The visual system connects these frames and tries to create a whole picture, which turns out to be three-dimensional.

As such, this does not cause serious harm to vision, at least so far no studies aimed at identifying harm from 3D films have found confirmation of this.

However, in the short term, voluminous films can be uncomfortable. Prolonged viewing of stereo images leads to rapid eyestrain. Some report dizziness, eye pain, even nausea and disorientation after watching 3D movies.

This is due to the fact that the brain perceives out of sync information coming through the eyes. However, the visual system has not been able to perceive and process information in this way before. In addition, in modern films, the picture changes too quickly, which only increases the load on the eyesight. Because of this, the visual system is overstrained, which can cause the asthenopic symptoms described above.

As we have already said, this does not entail serious consequences, except for prolonged discomfort. However, this is only true for people who do not have visual impairments.

It is worth remembering about hygiene issues. The 3D glasses they give you at the cinema have been used by other people before. Due attention to the processing of products in the cinema may not be paid, which means that there is a risk of catching an eye infection.

Who Shouldn't Watch 3D Movies

Although there are no official contraindications, experts do not recommend watching 3D movies both in cinemas and at home for the following people:

1. Children under 8 years old - their visual apparatus is only developing and undergoing an adaptation process. Watching 3D movies frequently can disrupt this process. Of course, this is unlikely to happen from one trip to the cinema, but it is likely that asthenopic symptoms in children of this age will manifest themselves more strongly than in adults;
2. People with a high degree of any visual impairment, strabismus and problems with binocular vision - for them, watching a movie in 3D can be a real challenge. The visual system, already strained, will be overloaded. As a result, a person will experience prolonged discomfort, which can even manifest as a temporary deterioration in vision. Headache for the whole evening is also provided.

Can 3D glasses be worn on corrective glasses?

It is possible, but not desirable. In this case, the eyes will strain more, plus, due to the increased pressure on the bridge of the nose, you will quickly get tired. It is important to carefully put on and take off the 3D optics so as not to hit your glasses or scratch the lenses.

In general, putting on 3D glasses over regular ones will not cause any harm, but still, ophthalmologists advise, if possible, to replace corrective glasses with contact lenses when viewing three-dimensional pictures.

Recommendations of ophthalmologists when watching 3D movies

1. To prevent infectious eye diseases, wipe the 3D glasses with a disinfectant wet wipe before use;
2. If you wear corrective glasses, put on and take off the 3D optics carefully so as not to damage your corrector;
3. If you have the opportunity to replace corrective glasses with contact lenses for the duration of the session, use it - this way you will reduce the load on the eyes and bridge of the nose;
4. Don't get carried away with watching big movies. It is advisable to attend such sessions no more than once a month;
5. In the cinema, choose the last rows, so your eyes will be less tired. If you are watching a 3D movie at home, make sure that the TV is at least 5 meters away;
6. Use stereo glasses only for their intended purpose, remove them immediately after the end of the film;
7. During a long session, it is better to take small breaks. Take off your glasses and give your eyes a chance to rest: first sit with your eyes closed, and then move them clockwise and counterclockwise.