Why some people have 3D viewing issues

With the emergence of 3D movies and 3D televisions in the home, it's apparent that some people have issues with watching 3-D video. It's not uncommon for a person to experience eye strain, fatigue, or even nausea when viewing 3D videos. A recent study has uncovered a particularly condition that may increase the risk of having 3D viewing issues.

In the study, published in the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus (July/August 2012, Volume 49, Issue 4: 248-253), some subjects with symptoms associated with viewing three-dimensional (3D) images (referred to as 3D asthenopia) were found to have exophoria. The study concluded that exophoria may be a risk factor for 3D asthenopia.

The study included one hundred fifteen volunteers between the ages of 18 and 55. The subjects were then split into a control group and asthenopia group. The asthenopia group experienced eyestrain during a viewing of a 3D high-definition TV (lasting 90 minutes) showed to all subjects. Six of the subjects in the asthenopia group were found to have exophoria, while one in the control group had constant exotropia. It was found that the presence of strabismus was significantly different between the two groups (P = .008).

For the full text, visit the Journal of Pediatric Ophthalmology & Strabismus.