3-D TVs are likely to aggravate eyestrain in many people who have minor eye problems, say optical experts. And because they are such a new sensory experience, many viewers could end up with a headache, Dr Michael Rosenberg, an ophthalmology professor at Northwestern University told Reuters.
About 20 percent of people who saw a 3-D movie did not like it because of the eyestrain, according to a survey by Pricewaterhouse Coopers. About 5 percent of people are also “stereoblind,” which means they cannot see depth by combining and comparing images from both eyes, says the firm.
And unlike regular TVs, 3-D TVs are best experienced with dim lights at all times. So the classic Superbowl scenario — a group of friends eating chips and dips and getting up a few times to get some beer — won’t work, says James McQuivey, an analyst with Forrester Research.
“It’s not going to work for any social viewing,” he says. “It’s going to be like, ‘let’s sit down and watch this movie,’ with the eyes focused on the screen all the time.”
That also means no flipping through magazines during commercials or watching 3-D TV while making dinner. 3-D TV demands utter and complete concentration. So sit down and focus.