Going Beyond Eye-Popping Entertainment: 3D Technology Can Lead to Early Detection of Vision Problems

Today, 3D technology is everywhere. From movie theaters and televisions, to gaming systems and mobile devices, our exposure to 3D technology is becoming commonplace. But, 3D technology offers more than an eye-popping entertainment experience.

The technology is also emerging as a public health tool, one that could suggest the importance of having a comprehensive eye exam. This step could transform the lives of a number of individuals who may be suffering from a vision condition and not know it.1

The technology’s ability to help diagnose vision conditions lies in how 3D viewing works. When individuals view 3D media, their eyes must work together to converge, focus, and track the image. But not everyone has an enjoyable 3D experience. Some viewers might experience headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and dizziness, among other symptoms, when watching 3D media.

These symptoms could indicate a refractive or “out-of-focus” condition, such as nearsightedness, farsightedness, or astigmatism. Other causes might include binocular vision problems such a lazy eye, difficulty tracking, and difficulty keeping both eyes aligned.

The American Optometric Association (AOA) estimates three million to nine million people suffer from binocular vision problems. By understanding why they are experiencing certain symptoms when watching 3D media, individuals are more likely to seek the help of an eye care professional. This opens the door to treatment and minimizing the risk of progression.

3D Use on the Rise

3D technology isn’t a fad. Media companies are launching dedicated 3D channels around the globe with ESPN and Discovery leading the way, and many manufacturers are gearing up for the mass production of 3D television receivers.

A group of industry leaders, the 3D@Home Consortium, are committed to accelerating the commercialization of 3D technology into homes worldwide. This group, made up of 50 companies, aims to provide consumers with the best possible 3D viewing experience by helping to develop standards, roadmaps, and education for the entire 3D industry.

The consortium, in partnership with the AOA, has encouraged movie producers to include a public health message at the beginning of every 3D movie. This message will encourage viewers who experience dizziness, discomfort, or who don’t experience the 3D effect, to schedule an eye exam with their optometrist, as these symptoms might indicate a vision problem.

Until recently, individuals who found viewing 3D media uncomfortable might have just disregarded their negative experience, but this public health message can encourage them to have an eye exam, which might uncover a previously undetected vision condition.

3D In the Classroom

Educators are also using 3D technology in the classroom in various ways, including stereoscopic still images, micro-simulations, complex simulations, short video segments, and longer 3D educational films.

The technology has helped students to better visualize subject matter in a new and interesting way and has resulted in improved comprehension and retention and greater class participation compared to the traditional non-3D style of presentation.2

Aside from boosting a child’s learning potential, as with adults, the technology can also open the door to child vision care.

According to the AOA, a significant percentage of young children have some degree of vision impairment, but most children aren’t aware that their vision is impaired, nor do they think they see differently from anyone else. For children, an uncomfortable 3D learning experience—similar to a negative reaction in a movie theater or in front of a 3D television—can indicate a vision problem and encourage them to ask for help.

Early detection and treatment of binocular vision conditions are especially important in children, as their vision systems are still developing. With certain binocular vision conditions, such as lazy eye, eye care professionals have a much better chance of correcting the condition if detected earlier in life.

By identifying and correcting children’s vision conditions early, eye care professionals can decrease the risk for certain complications, minimize developmental problems, and maximize school performance.

Impact on Eye Care Professionals

The eye care industry has a unique opportunity to leverage 3D technology to capture both the public health benefits of the technology and capitalize on the potential for new patients.

As the use of 3D technology continues to grow and as more individuals are exposed to the vision assessment benefits it provides, eye care professionals can expect to see more patients who have self-assessed a binocular vision condition.

The AOA has produced a 3D Practice Kit to help eye care professionals prepare for an increase in these patients. The 3D Practice Kit can help eye care professionals create awareness about 3D vision symptoms, generate traffic and referrals with patients who understand why they have symptoms, and help eye care professionals to more effectively treat these patients.

The kit is available to AOA members and includes education, practice, and community outreach guides as well as doctor and para-optometric education materials.

About The Author

John Lahr, OD, FAAO, vice president of Provider Relations and Medical Director for EyeMed Vision Care, has over 28 years of clinical practice as a licensed optometrist and has held various leadership roles in the American Optometric Association. He served as an original member of the Clinical Practice Guidelines Committee of American Optometric Association (AOA) to develop practice standards for optometry.