3D Movies Linked to Increased Vision Symptoms

'Immersion' Brings Increases in Motion Sickness and Other Symptoms, Reports Optometry and Vision Science

Newswise — Philadelphia, Pa. (July 2, 2012) - Watching 3D movies can "immerse" you in the experience—but can also lead to visual symptoms and even motion sickness, reports a study – “Stereoscopic Viewing and Reported Perceived Immersion and Symptoms”, in the July issue of Optometry and Vision Science, official journal of the American Academy of Optometry. The journal is published by Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, a part of Wolters Kluwer Health.

Symptoms related to 3D viewing are affected by where you sit while watching, and even how old you are. "Younger viewers incurred higher immersion but also greater visual and motion sickness symptoms in 3D viewing," according to the authors, led by Shun-nan Yang, PhD, of Pacific University College of Optometry, Forest Grove, Ore. "Both [problems] will be reduced if a farther distance and a wider viewing angle are adopted." Greater 'Immersion' in 3D Also Associated With Increased SymptomsThe researchers performed experiments in which adults, from young adult to middle-aged, were invited to watch a movie (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs) in 2D or 3D while sitting at different angles and distances. Visual and other symptoms were assessed—including the role of factors including age, seating position, and level of "immersion" in the movie.

Twenty-one percent of participants reported symptoms while watching the movie in 3D, compared to twelve percent with 2D viewing. For younger study participants blurred vision, double vision, dizziness, disorientation, and nausea were all more frequent and severe when watching the movie in 3D.

3D viewing also led to a greater sense of immersion—"a greater sense of object motion and motion of the viewer in space"—compared to 2D viewing. Subjects sitting in more central or closer positions reported greater immersion as well as increased symptoms of motion sickness—that is, nausea. Sitting at an angle to the screen was associated with less immersion as well as reduced motion symptoms.

There were some differences by age, including a lower rate of blurred vision in older viewers (age 46 and older). Older viewers had more visual and motion sickness symptoms in 2D viewing, while younger viewers (age 24 to 34) had more symptoms in 3D viewing. The same age-related changes leading to lower rates of blurred vision in older viewers may also explain their lower rates of symptoms during 3D vision.

As 3D movies become more common, including on home screens, there are reports of visual and other symptoms among 3D viewers. Vision and orientation symptoms related to 3D viewing may be related to a "mismatch" between focusing and converging the eyes. Anthony Adams, OD, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Optometry and Vision Science notes "the technology for reducing mismatch between where the eyes converge and where they focus is likely to improve rapidly."

The study identifies several factors associated with symptoms during 3D viewing. "3D viewing is quite specific in causing blurred vision and double vision, and the resultant symptoms are greater for younger adults," Dr Yang and colleagues write. 3D produces a greater sense of immersion than 2D viewing, which leads to more symptoms of motion sickness—especially for younger adults and when viewing from a closer distance and a more direct angle.

The study will help optometrists and other eye care professionals in talking to patients about visual and other symptoms related to today's sophisticated 3D video setups.

To read the article “Stereoscopic Viewing and Reported Perceived Immersion and Symptoms”, please visit http://journals.lww.com/optvissci/Fulltext/2012/07000/Stereoscopic_Viewing_and_Reported_Perceived.17.aspx

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About Optometry and Vision ScienceOptometry and Vision Science, official journal of the American Academy of Optometry, is the most authoritative source for current developments in optometry, physiological optics, and vision science. This frequently cited monthly scientific journal has served primary eye care practitioners for more than 75 years, promoting vital interdisciplinary exchange among optometrists and vision scientists worldwide.

About the American Academy of OptometryFounded in 1922, the American Academy of Optometry is committed to promoting the art and science of vision care through lifelong learning. All members of the Academy are dedicated to the highest standards of optometric practice through clinical care, education or research.

About Lippincott Williams & Wilkins Lippincott Williams & Wilkins (LWW) is a leading international publisher of trusted content delivered in innovative ways to practitioners, professionals and students to learn new skills, stay current on their practice, and make important decisions to improve patient care and clinical outcomes. LWW is part of Wolters Kluwer Health, a leading global provider of information, business intelligence and point-of-care solutions for the healthcare industry. Wolters Kluwer Health is part of Wolters Kluwer, a market-leading global information services company with 2011 annual revenues of €3.4 billion ($4.7 billion).