Having trouble seeing 3D?

If you weren’t blown away by the three-dimensional effects in James Cameron’s movie "Avatar" or you left the theater with eyestrain or a headache, your eyes might not be 3D-ready. Around 5 to 10 percent of people don’t have true depth perception, and far more may have trouble with their binocular vision, which is needed to see the 3D images in movies or the new 3D TVs on the horizon.

To make movies such as Avatar, filmmakers use special 3D cameras that capture two images, simulating the different perspectives of the left and right eye, according to RealD, a 3D technology company. The two slightly different images are projected onto a custom screen. When seen through the lenses of the special 3D glasses, each eye sees the proper perspective and the brain fuses them into a 3D or stereoptic image. Most of the new 3D TVs coming to market require shutter-style eyewear that blink on and off rapidly so that each eye sees its own, slightly different image.

People whose eyes aren’t perfectly aligned because of strabismus (the eyes don’t align when focusing) or amblyopia (the loss by one eye to see details), or who struggle to keep their eyes lined up and moving together, will likely have difficulty fusing the images into a 3D experience. Moreover, the challenge may cause eyestrain (dry, irritated, or painful eyes ), which may lead to headache.

Bottom line: If you’ve experienced problems viewing 3D images, you’re better off going to 2D versions of movies and watching TV on conventional sets. To try to determine why you’ve had 3D vision difficulty, consider making an appointment with an eye care professional—either an ophthalmologist or optometrist—and ask for an eye exam, including an assessment of your stereoptic vision. Some people who have 3D vision problems may simply need new prescription eyeglasses or contacts, or might need to get their existing prescription changed. Some might be candidates for surgery to correct misaligned eyes. Also consider asking about a referral to a developmental optometrist, a practitioner specially trained to help patients improve their visual performance, which can help with tasks such as seeing 3D.

—Doug Podolsky, senior editor

Comments

[Sundeep]

KD,

I am going to Vision Therapy weekly and it has been couple of months and I have already seen improvement. Before the therapy I watched Ice Age in 3d and I could barely see depth in the picture. Then after starting therapy I watched Avatar in 3D and could enjoy the depth most of the time.

You claim 'Vision therapy is a fraud that has been well documented to be ineffective!' Show me the documents and explain why I am now able to see depth better.

[KD]

Vision therapy is a fraud that has been well documented to be ineffective! It is a money-maker for crooked optometrists. See a real eye doctor, an ophthalmologist (look for M.D. after the name), instead!

[Nathan Bonilla-Warford, OD]

As an optometrist who helps patients with "3D problems," I think that it is very good that this issue is getting so much attention right now. It turns out that all the 3D movies, and soon 3D TV, are excellent screening tools for visual problems. And as with any problem, the earlier the problem is detected, the more easily it can be treated. However, as the above comments show, there is no point in life when vision problems cannot be treated or vision cannot improved - either with special glasses, contacts, or vision therapy.

I do encourage any person interested in this area to read Susan Barry's Book "Fixing My Gaze." it is a fascinating look at vision and the amazing power of the human brain!

[Katharine Weber]

I have had severe amblyopia since childhood, and began to do vision therapy under the supervision of a developmental optometrist five months ago. At age 54, I am seeing in 3D for the first time in my life. I had been told for decades that no changes were possible because the learning center of the brain is no longer sufficiently plastic after age 6 or 7, but that is simply untrue.

I began the vision therapy in September, with vision in my weak right eye of 20/300. (Top letter on the chart? Oh, is that a chart over there?) At last assessment, with my weak eye (using a new prescription lens that had never been offered until now, because mine was a "hopeless case") I could identify three of five elements on the 20/40 line.

Developing better vision in my right eye is only step one, as the issues of suppression and fusion -- getting my two eyes to work well together -- will be the ongoing challenge. But I am already experiencing many joyful three-dimensional moments every day.

[Advisorr]

I've had Vision Therapy with a Behavioral Optometrist to correct my lack of stereoscopic vision. I was able to develop binocular vision as an adult! Despite having significant amblyopia due to a congenital cataract. NO Ophthalmologist or optometrist ever suggested I have this therapy. I found out about it by listening to National Public Radio. I waited my whole life to see . . . now flowers are more beautiful, the forest surrounds me; I feel safer on skis, my bicycle and trail running. And I can see movies in 3D, something I could never imagine. So if you are really curious check out Susan Barry's Book "Fixing My Gaze" with a preface by Oliver Sacks.

[Rachel Cooper]

I was able to deeply enjoy Avatar in 3D because I had vision therapy with a developmental optometrist as an adult. At the age of seven, I was diagnosed with untreatable lazy eye (amblyopia) and told I would never have depth perception. Then, at the age of 33, I discovered Vision Therapy and, as a result, my whole visual world popped out in 3D for the very first time. With Vision Therapy, I learned to see with both of my eyes simultaneously (stereoscopic vision). Believe me, I had no idea what I was missing until I saw it. Amazing! Truly, having normal depth perception and stereovision has been a huge boon. Now I can judge where I am in relation to other objects...I rarely drop or bump into things anymore. I drive a car with greater safety and comfort (my passengers are relieved). I'm able to do tasks that demand hand-eye coordination (cooking, crafts, sports, you name it). I can make normal eye contact with other people...this I really treasure. Really, there is no way I can adequately describe the difference between how I saw before and after Vision Therapy. All I can say is if you don't have 3D vision and you are truly motivated to find out what you are missing, there could be world of wonder waiting for you on the other side of Vision Therapy. 3D Vision rocks!