All the new technology we have nowadays is bringing into our lives new options for leisure that bet on realistic experiences. It is in this scenario where the 3D video games feature an outstanding place. Nevertheless, this boom has led the experts to question whether these video games represent a risk for our visual health…And here goes our answer to it.
Binocular vision
We cannot deny that the long-term use of any type of videogame can provoke impairments in our sight as the experts have been pointing out over the last years. The main reasons for these visual damages are the over-exposure to digital screens or the well-known eyestrain, strabismus, lazy eyes and so on. Nevertheless, new elements come into play when we talk about the 3D videogames that might transform those risks into increasing problems.
The human being is able to perceive a 3D image thanks to the binocular vision: each eye receive images separately and then both work together as a coordinated tem to create just one image. This process is known as stereopsis. This is an additional effort for our eyes which is emphasized on people who already suffer from any visual disease and it might cause medium- and long-term problems.
The kids are the most vulnerable
They together with people who already have any visual impairment are the two groups the most prone to suffer any problem derived from the frequent use of 3D video games.
As a matter of fact, the great amount of audience of this type of product is the most susceptible to these effects: the binocular vision and the stereopsis system are still developing until age 12. Consequently, the children younger than this age must do an extra effort in order to perceive the three dimensions.
The importance of preventing
As it is usual in these cases, the best way to avoid these impairments is as easy as to prevent them. So for that reason we offer you some advice:
- If you usually wear prescription glasses in your everyday life, you have to use them when you wear 3D glasses as well.
- It is important to restrict the hours of exposure so it would be necessary to take a break every half an hour.
- A correct distance and position must be taken between us and any technological device as well as the use of a good lightening.
But above all, don’t forget to pay attention to those small signals that might reveal some visual problem: diseases, blurred vision, headache, stinging, dryness and so on. These are some of the symptoms you should be aware of and go to see your doctor if you have one of them.
And remember that our optometrist team in Optical H will be always delighted to help you if you have any doubt.
