THOSE WITH UNDIAGNOSED VISION PROBLEMS ARE LEFT IN A FLAT WORLD
3D movies took off a few years ago, but with the success of Avatar, 3D is the direction of future movie making (and movie viewing). But for some viewers this excitement has fallen flat and in many cases turned into a visual rollercoaster.
“I first noticed that I cannot see a 3D movie was 15 years ago when I was watching Michael Jackson’s Captain EO at Disneyland. Everybody was reaching up to grab things during the show, but I just thought everyone must be crazy!” a patient of Dr. Melamed explains, frustrated that she cannot watch 3D movies.
Research shows that a majority of the population will have difficulty experiencing 3D films due to poor binocular vision skills. About five percent of the population will not be able to experience 3D at all due to conditions like strabismus (eyeturn) or amblyopia (lazy eye). For these people, the images that others see jumping off the screen will simply look 2D. “This is because these viewers are actually just watching the film with one eye, where in 3-D movies, binocular vision (or the use of both eyes) is required.
The real dilemma, however, is when patients with certain vision conditions in binocular vision can experience headaches, dizziness, and nausea. These kinds of conditions can possibly be treated by an Optometrist either with binocular vision training or special types of lenses.
“Viewers who cannot see the 3D visual effects or notice symptoms such as headaches, nausea or dizziness should schedule an appointment with their optometrist for a comprehensive eye and vision exam,” continues Dr. Melamed. “The good news is that conditions such as strabismus and amblyopia are treatable, and with proper treatment, most people will be able to enjoy things like 3D movies as this form of entertainment spreads through the theaters.”
Dr. Fouad Melamed is the chief Optometrist at Melamed Eye Care located in West Hollywood, CA. www.melamedeyecare.com
