3-D films may leave you seeing triple

[one...two...tree 2,762]

by Evan S. Benn - St. Louis Post-Dispatch

Thousands of people are packing movie theaters across the country to see the new "Alice in Wonderland" in 3-D, and dozens of them likely will leave with headaches.

That's not a criticism of the film but a fact: Doctors say those with less-than-perfect eyesight can suffer nausea, blurred vision and dizziness from 3-D movies.

"The 3-D technology taps into our depth perception," said Lawrence Tychsen, ophthalmologist in chief at St. Louis Children's Hospital.

"To fully appreciate depth in a 3-D movie, you need equally clear vision in both eyes. Even a small misalignment could contribute to those symptoms of discomfort."

Tychsen said relatively minor conditions, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness or a lazy eye, if not treated with glasses or contacts, could trigger headaches and other side effects

from 3-D visuals. He estimated that up to 20 percent of the population could be affected.

"Many people are unaware that anything's wrong until they experience a 3-D movie and have these symptoms," Tychsen said.

But watching a 3-D movie isn't going to cause any vision damage, according to him and other experts.

"Getting a headache at a movie isn't harmful, but it is symptomatic of subnormal vision," Tychsen said. "If it happens, that might be a good sign it's time to visit an eye doctor."

The problem comes from so-called vision fatigue, caused when 3-D technology forces the eyes to make constant adjustments to focus on images that are simultaneously near and far away. Humans see in three dimensions, but the exaggerated imagery of 3-D movies can cause a strain in some, according to Jeffrey Anshel, a California optometrist who has researched vision fatigue in computer users.

"Each person will experience it differently," Anshel said, adding that vision fatigue tends to be more pronounced during longer 3-D movies. "I think that a two-hour movie is fine, but going into three or more hours could lead to eye strain."

Reports of vision fatigue popped up in recent months after the release of the 3-D blockbuster "Avatar." Some theatergoers complained of motion sickness after watching James Cameron's sci-fi epic, which runs two hours, 42 minutes.

Despite causing discomfort in a small number of people, 3-D movies aren't going away anytime soon. Besides "Avatar," some of last year's other top-grossing films - "Up," "Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs" and "Monsters vs. Aliens" - were in 3-D, and more than a dozen films are scheduled for release this year and next.

The popularity of these movies and the money they pull in - theaters typically charge about $3 extra for tickets to 3-D shows - keep them in favor with theater owners and studios.

Harman Moseley, who manages St. Louis-area cinemas, said he didn't hear any complaints from people who saw "Avatar." He is hoping for the same with "Alice in Wonderland."

"For the most part, people are loving these movies; it's what's bringing them back to the theaters," Moseley said. "But I can understand the motion-sickness effect. I've had that experience myself at the IMAX. It can be quite a ride."

http://www.azcentral.com/thingstodo/movies/articles/2010/03/15/20100315deyes0315.html

[Ban Hammer 14,664]

speaking of which, when does that 3d porn movie hit the shelves?

[scandal 951]

I'm getting blurred vision and headaches from the new VJ layout.

[Amby 490]

imax movies that aren't in 3D make my head hurt. adding 3D makes me want to hurl. I know my vision sucks

[Pooky 3,930]

Why, oh why does there always have to be some killjoy out there ready to stomp on the idea of having fun?

That said, they really need to design some cool wrap-around 3D glasses instead of the 1950's NHS specs you get now.