3D viewing has been making a comeback since the days of red and blue glasses of several decades ago. Modern 3D effects in movies, TV, and video games are optical illusions. Two forms of visual media are broadcast concurrently so that 3D glasses can assist your eyes and brain to interpret the content. Your right eye sees one version of the content, while the left eye sees another. The brain then merges those images together into a 3D image.
Sometimes, individuals struggle to merge these two images and create the optical illusion, resulting in headaches, nausea, and other negative symptoms. With the potential for 3D content to overwhelm and confuse the brain, there are concerns that 3D can damage your eyes, especially for those with vision problems.
Problems with Children and 3D Technology
It’s hard to avoid 3D images in everyday life, especially for children. Nintendo’s 3DS devices have included a warning about the potential harms of long-term viewing, including damage to visual development. If you notice your child constantly developing headaches and looking tired while using 3D glasses, that could indicate eye problems or a visual disorder of some kind.
While there aren’t any conclusive studies on the short- or long-term eye problems from 3D glasses or digital products on children’s visual development, limiting screen time is a good idea. A child’s 3D vision development is stimulated as they use their eyes in social and natural environments, usually concluding by age three.
3D Viewing for Children with Vision Disorders
For children already predisposed to vision problems with issues such as amblyopia (an imbalance in eye strength), strabismus (lazy eye), or convergence insufficiency, they may have trouble focusing. These conditions make viewing 3D images more difficult. However, this doesn’t mean that 3D glasses are so bad for your eyes that they cause these problems –rather, those with visual deficits are more likely to experience migraines and eye fatigue when viewing 3D media. If you or your child are suffering from any of these vision issues, consider trying vision therapy to correct issues and make activities such as watching 3D movies easier.
Are 3D Glasses Bad for Your Eyes?
It’s not the actual 3D glasses that cause eye-related problems like nausea, stress, or headaches. It’s simply your eyes and brain attempting to work in a different manner to process new images. There’s no evidence that viewing too much time wearing 3D glasses causes any long-term eye problems, but it may be uncomfortable in the short-term.
The solution for most children and adults with vision issues is to view 3D content sparingly, take frequent breaks, and sit farther away from the screen. If you’re still noticing significant problems and have constant eye strain, consider seeking out a professional developmental optometrist to evaluate your condition.