On Your Side
3D TV sales are skyrocketing, but how is this new way of watching TV hurting your eyes?
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Today's TMJ4's Courtny Gerrish reports Video by tmj4.com
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They are everywhere, and in your face. 3D has changed with the way we watch TV.
The technology tricks our brain into thinking that what we're looking at is in 3D.
Dr. Thomas Judd is an optometrist. He explains how it works. "Because each eye gets it separately, the brain is able to put that together and you're able to get a sense of depth."
When 3D TV's came out a few years ago, there were questions over safety. Will it mess up our brains? Or our eyes?? But a couple of years later, doctors, armed with new research say there is good news, and some bad--particularly for kids. The major concern is for kids under 7 years old.
Dr. Judd explains, "The brain is really trying to develop the idea of a binocular system."
It hampers a child's ability to develop good eyesight. There are also those with motion sickness, or heavy drinkers, who could put themselves in harm's way after watching a 3D movie.
"Sometimes after you've spent a lot of time watching those movies on televisions, you just don't move that well after doing that," Dr. Judd says.
Despite the drawbacks, 3D TVs turned out to be a blessing in disguise.
"After a long movie that you may have watch, that really causes undue strain on the eye," Dr. Judd notes.
Believe it or not, optometrists says that's a good thing.
"People recognize that can't be normal, and they come see us," Dr. Judd says.
Many eye doctors are now seeing a flood of patients who discovered they have eye problems after watching a 3D movie. Even still, doctors are warning that as with anything, moderation is key.
"Things that we do in an over stimulus way can really effect the way that they develop long term."
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