A study published by the Journal of Vision today has come out with the finding that 3D displays does cause extra eye fatigue. The project study was funded by none other than one of the biggest manufacturer of 3D TVs — Samsung under it R&D wing. The study groups consisted of researchers from the University of California, Berkeley. Their finding was that people who viewed 3D complained of fatigue and lessened vision clarity immediately after the viewing when compared to people who were watching 2D format. The biggest reason or cause of the problem according to them was the disparity between the depth of the screen and the depth of the 3D image. There was also the factor of how close an individual sat to the display as the reason for this strain effect.

The research was conducted by having 24 participants view 3D and 2D display panels. The distance was varied for the participants and the participants thereafter had to respond to a certain questionnaire set for them all relating to eye strain effects or neck pain or vision clarity. The focal point and the vergence distance, which is where in the image the eyes are trying to focus on was varied in the case of the video clips. In case of 2D formats this point is fixed and does not change. In case of 3D though there is the difference between depths of the vergence point.

Participants complained of eye strain more in cases where the vergence point and focal point varied. Though the effects were not too much yet it did exist.

Viewing 3D from a distance was also another stress inducing aspect, as the study found out. The study also concluded that the vergence distance was deeper than the screen and also near displays showing images popping out of the screen, both caused greater eye strain.

This study report therefore should work as a guideline for 3D content creators who can now decide what to recess or pop out of the screen. There is also the other aspect of the study which therefore concludes that movie theatre viewing of 3D is not going to be same when done so in front of a TV at home. It is better left to the movie theater venue when it comes to 3D viewing.

Samsung itself being the manufacturers of 3D TVs is therefore hurting the customer’s eye if the report is anything to go by.

via electronista

Sovan Mandal (696 Posts)

Sovan Mandal is the senior tablet and tech corespondent for goodereader.com and 3D Specialist. He brings a international approach to news that is not just applicable to the North American market, but also Asia, India, Europe and others. Sovy brings his own writing flavor to the website and is interested in Science Fiction, Technology and Writing. Any questions, send an email