Good Media

Can 3D Change Our Kids’ Eyesight?
Andrea Rock, contributing editor

It’s a question worth asking! We know, from the research done by Dr. Jane Healy (Endangered Minds) and others, that early media exposure may change the way children’s brains are hardwiring. Now comes the suggestion, that in our ever-changing world of media options, exposure to 3D movies and games may be changing our children’s vision. We need to carefully follow the research.

Good News? Read Between the Lines!

A quick Google search will offer a plethora of articles suggesting that gaming may actually improve eyesight. Do note that many of these show up on pro-gaming websites! A study from the University of Rochester, published in the journal Nature Neuroscience, indicated that people who used video games in a controlled environment were able to notice subtle differences in shades of gray. This difference is known as contrast sensitivity, and is usually achieved by wearing glasses or having surgery. However, these benefits were found only in those adults who played certain action video games, and probably for longer periods of time than we would want our kids to play. The results have thus far been measured only in months, not in years. And video gaming presents a particular threat to boys, as it activates the portion of the brain that is associated with addiction. It’s estimated that at least 15% of gamers, totaling about 5 million, become addicted. Attachment to gaming robs time from other social or physical activities, may cause sleep problems, and may lead to carpal tunnel syndrome. And so much of video gaming is violent, that it may change kids’ attitudes toward methods of problem solving!

What about 3D?

In an apparent technological leap forward, home televisions and video game systems now offer 3D enhancements, adding more potential problems. The very nature of 3D displays is to trick both our eyes and our brains into seeing three-dimensional depth on a two-dimensional screen. In our normal vision, our eyes go through two nearly-simultaneous experiences: “vergence,” or the rotation of the eyes in opposite directions, and “accommodation,” where the lens in the eye responds to the vergence by changing shape to bring sharp focus. We converge our eyes to look at something close, and diverge them to look at something far. This all happens very naturally in our daily activities. However, the introduction of 3D displays can mess up the natural balance between vergence and accommodation, causing eyestrain or even serious headaches.

3D television may be kinder to the eyes, if we can move away from the screen to lessen the strain. But because the very nature of 3D gaming keeps our eyes so close to the screen, greater strain is inevitable. And games require time: the longer we look at 3D images, the greater the likelihood of eyestrain. Earlier this year, when Nintendo released its long-awaited 3D game console, warned that their system was not intended for children 6 years old and younger, as it could damage their continually developing eyesight. Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aime commented, “We will recommend that very young children not look at 3-D images, because...the muscles for [their] eyes are not fully formed.” Even for others, Nintendo advises breaks every 30 minutes and avers, “If your physical condition worsens or you become ill, please stop playing at once.” Research shows that the close nature of video games can cause nearsightedness, and dry eye syndrome. Fortunately, the Nintendo console is equipped with a parental control system, allowing an immediate switch from 3D to 2D.

As always, we are best advised to educate ourselves, and moderate our children’s use of media!