Stereoscopic 3D viewing provides greater immersion, but can also lead to heightened visual and motion sickness symptoms. And if you are visually perturbed when watching 3D movies, take a seat on the last row. In a nutshell these are the conclusions of an academic paper "Stereoscopic Viewing and Reported Perceived Immersion and Symptoms" published in Optometry & Vision Science Journal (July 2012 Issue).

Some 203 teenagers and adults watched Sony Pictures Animation's Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs in 2D or stereoscopic 3D while sitting at different angles and distances. Their prior viewing symptoms, as well as visual and physical discomfort immediately before and after viewing, were measured with questionnaires. They were also asked to report their perceived immersion feeling after the viewing.

The study measured prevalence and magnitude of perceived immersion and viewing symptoms in stereoscopic viewing, and their relation to viewer's characteristics and viewing position.

Twenty-one per cent of participants reported symptoms while watching the movie in 3D, compared to 12% with 2D viewing. For younger study participants, blurred vision, double vision, dizziness, disorientation, and nausea were all more frequent and severe when watching the movie in 3D.

Older viewers (age 46 years or older) reported greater ocular, visual, and motion sickness symptoms in 2D viewing, and younger viewers (age 24-34 years) reported greater visual and motion sickness symptoms in 3D viewing. Sitting in an oblique position attenuated perceived immersion but also reduced motion symptoms in 3D viewing. Prior viewing symptoms in 2D tasks also predicted ocular and physical symptoms in 2D but less so in 3D viewing.

"Younger viewers incurred higher immersion but also greater visual and motion sickness symptoms in 3D viewing," suggested the study's authors, led by Shun-nan Yang, PhD, of Pacific University College of Optometry, who advised that such problems would be reduced if a farther distance and a wider viewing angle were adopted.

The research was funded by Intel.

Stereoscopy News points to another study in WisdomTimes in November 2012 suggesting that 3D sickness sufferers may want to consult a physician that will check their binocular vision and may advise to go through a vision therapy. This may provides greater comfort watching 3D movies, but also improves the person's overall vision.

Story filed 09.07.12