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AAO: 3-D products not specifically harmful to children
Digital media products with 3-D images are not necessarily harmful to eye development in young children, the American Academy of Ophthalmology announced in a press release in response to a recent warning from video game manufacturer Nintendo, the producer of a new handheld 3-D gaming console.
"At this time there are no conclusive studies on the short- and/or long-term effects of 3-D digital products on eye and visual development, health, or function in children," the AAO said in the release. "Nor are there persuasive, conclusive theories on how 3-D digital products could cause damage in children with healthy eyes."
Nintendo issued a warning in late December on its Japanese website, urging parents to limit the use of 3-D products for children younger than 6 years to avoid possible damage to visual development. Other companies issued similar warnings, the press release said.
Children with conditions such as amblyopia or strabismus would have difficulty seeing 3-D images, but that does not mean that vision disorders are caused by such products, according to the press release. However, children or adults with vision disorders may develop headaches or tired eyes when using 3-D digital products.
The AAO recommends that children experiencing these problems undergo a comprehensive ophthalmologic exam.