(Phil Lelyveld comment: stories about the health risks of viewing 3D continue to dominate.  There are potential health benefits to viewing 3D that have been discussed and published within the optometric community since at least 2000, but those benefits are not being effectively communicated outside of that community.)

3D technology has taken a giant leap forward in popularity and accessibility: 3D televisions and monitors are now available at such retailers as Best Buy and Target, the 3DS is a little over a month away, and companies are producing PCs with full 3D capabilities. In just over a year, 3D went from being a movie theater exclusive to entertaining people in their own homes. Unfortunately, the use of these products may not be entirely safe for some people.

Electronics giant Samsung – as well as other manufacturers – have warned consumers that the use of their 3D TVs and monitors may have adverse effects on your health. They advise that if you are pregnant, elderly, have recently suffered a serious medical condition, sleep deprived or under the influence of alcohol, you should avoid using their 3D products. Additionally, they say that children and teenagers should be “closely supervised” during use, as they may be more susceptible to health issues related to the viewing of 3D images. Even if you do not fall under any of these categories and are in perfect health, you should take “frequent breaks” to help prevent health issues. Also, it is important to note the distance between you and the screen; you will most likely end up much closer to a 3D computer monitor than a TV, therefore the risks are greater for the monitor.

In addition to the 3D TVs and monitors, Nintendo posted an advisory noting that the 3DS may have similar effects on your health. Its says that children under 6 should not be allowed to use the 3D function on the console (2D play can be permitted), and that older players should take a break after 30 minutes of 3D viewing. They also advise that you should immediately discontinue play if you begin to feel ill.

If you do not make the effort to protect yourself while using a 3D television or game console, the risks that you may face are epileptic seizure or stroke (if you have a family history of epilepsy or stroke, consult a medical specialist before using a 3D device), motion sickness, disorientation, perceptual after-effects, and eye strain. The chances of you experiencing any of these during use is small, but the risk is still there.

Now, I don’t mean to scare you from using a 3D TV or other such device – you have a better chance of remaining perfectly healthy while using them than becoming sick – but you should be aware of the risks involved before you purchase any of them. If you still want to enjoy your favorite movie in 3D while sitting in your favorite chair and eating your favorite snack, go right ahead. I highly doubt you will feel any different from the moment you press play to the moment you eject the disc.

Original post here: http://gagagadget.com/wordpress/2011/01/3d-tvs-monitors-etc-may-be-dangerous-to-your-health/