Ophthalmologists dispute video game manufacturer’s 3-D warning

Damage to a child’s visual development is unlikely with common-sense use.

Erin Stahl

Despite a warning from a video game manufacturer, ophthalmologists say 3-D media has not been scientifically shown to adversely affect visual development in children.

There are few studies, and therefore not enough scientific evidence, regarding the positive or negative effects of 3-D media on visual development to date, Erin Stahl, MD, OSN Pediatrics/Strabismus Board Member, said in a telephone interview.

Video game manufacturer 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 of age to avoid possible damage to visual development. Other companies issued similar warnings, raising curiosity and skepticism among physicians.

The American Academy of Ophthalmology and the American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus both responded with statements noting the lack of scientific evidence to support such a claim.

“While there are probably many valid reasons why children of all ages should have their time playing video games limited, based on current scientific data, damage to the child’s visual potential is not one of them,” the AAPOS said in a statement on the organization’s website.

“The general reaction [among ophthalmologists] was there’s really no scientific evidence backing up their concerns,” Dr. Stahl said.

Ongoing studies

The manufacturer’s warning raises some questions, though, including whether or not there is a need for further research on the topic.

Dr. Stahl said she knew of few, if any, current studies on the topic, but noted that pediatric ophthalmologist Lawrence Tychsen, MD, is doing research involving 3-D imagery and visual development in young monkeys.

“It appears the young monkeys watch 3-D imagery throughout the day for 3 months, and there is no effect on their visual development,” Dr. Stahl said.

Symptoms, suggestions

As the prevalence of 3-D technology grows, from movies to personal game systems, some people may experience strain, headache and nausea due to eyestrain from subtle misalignment of the eyes, uncorrected refractive error or other underlying ocular conditions, Dr. Stahl said.

Those who experience symptoms should simply not partake in 3-D viewing, she said.

Children with conditions such as amblyopia or strabismus may have difficulty seeing 3-D images, but that does not mean vision disorders are caused by such images, the AAO said. The AAO said that children who consistently experience problems, such as tired eyes or headache, should undergo a comprehensive ophthalmologic examination.

According to the AAPOS, the development of normal 3-D vision in children is largely complete by 3 years; Nintendo’s warning included children 6 years of age or younger.

“I think the underlying question is, how much time should a 3-year-old spend playing video games?” Dr. Stahl asked.

Until there is definite scientific evidence for or against 3-D imagery, Dr. Stahl recommended using common sense and following existing guidelines for screen time in young children, which includes exposure to TV, computers and video games.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends no screen time for children younger than 2 years and no more than 1 hour to 2 hours per day in children older than 2 years, Dr. Stahl said.

“It is logical that short, common-sense exposure of a child of any age to 3-D technology is unlikely to have a negative impact,” she said.

While there is little evidence to support claims that 3-D media is detrimental to visual development, there also does not appear to be any theoretical benefit for visual acuity from this technology. At this point, viewing simulated 3-D images as a child does not appear to help develop visual acuity in later life, Dr. Stahl said. Once fine stereopsis is lost, it is difficult to regain that function through any brain stimulation program or by other correction, she said.

“The world is presented to us in 3-D under normal viewing conditions. People who fail to develop binocular vision do so despite living in a 3-D environment,” Dr. Stahl said. – by Alexandra Harcharek

References:

• American Academy of Ophthalmology. Statement by the American Academy of Ophthalmology regarding Children’s Vision and Eye Health and 3-D Digital Products. http://www.aao.org/newsroom/release/20110118.cfm. Accessed Feb. 3, 2011.
• American Association for Pediatric Ophthalmology and Strabismus. Official AAPOS Statement on 3D Exposure in Children. http://www.aapos.org/news/show/60. Accessed Feb. 3, 2011.

• Erin Stahl, MD, can be reached at Children’s Mercy Hospitals and Clinics, 2401 Gillham Road, Kansas City, MO 64108; e-mail: edstahl@cmh.edu.
• Disclosure: Dr. Stahl has no direct financial interest in any products or companies discussed in this article.