Watching 3D video can cause eye strain, fatigue

Consumer Reports News: July 26, 2011 12:38 PM

Three-dimensional (3D) displays cause extra eye fatigue, according to a recent Journal of Vision study. Perhaps no surprise to some, test subjects reported more eye strain and fatigue and less vision clarity after watching 3D video.

In addition to other 3D video tests, researchers at the University of Califonia-Berkeley showed study participants 3D video at various viewing distances. The difference between the screen depth and the depth of the 3D image caused eye strain, as did the relationship between the image depth and how close the participant was to the screen. The study was, in part, funded by Samsung, which manufactures 3D televisions.

Bottom line: Having trouble seeing 3D? See an ophthalmologist or optometrist, and in addition to the eye exam, get an assessment of your stereoptic vision. People whose eyes aren't perfectly aligned because of strabismus (eyes don't align when focusing) or amblyopia (one eye loses the ability to see details) or who struggle to keep their eyes lined up and moving together, will have difficulty fusing the images into a 3D experience.

For more, read 3D TV: Will it be a problem for your eyes? and Having trouble with 3D? Get an eye exam.

Sources
The zone of comfort: Predicting visual discomfort
with stereo displays [Journal of Vision]
Study: 3D video causes eye strain, fatigue [CNNTech]
Study: 3D video causes eye fatigue [TechWatch]
Samsung-funded study finds 3D video causes extra eye strain, fatigue [Ars Technica]

—Maggie Shader