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3DS Disclaimer Warns Of Potential Hazard To Young Eyes
Speaking of Nintendo World and the 3DS, Nintendo has released a disclaimer about its pending handheld platform.
Nintendo stated that “Vision of children under the age of six has been said to be in the developmental stage,” and continues to say that the 3DS “delivers 3D images with different left and right images, [which] has a potential impact on the growth of children’s eyes.”
This isn’t a revelation, more of a precautionary note on Nintendo’s end. After Sony started touting 3D on its platform, the terms of service was updated similarly, stating that “Some people may experience discomfort (such as eye strain, eye fatigue or nausea) while watching 3D video images or playing stereoscopic 3D games on 3D televisions. If you experience such discomfort, you should immediately discontinue use of your television until the discomfort subsides.”
As with Nintendo, Sony Computer Entertainment America recommends breaks at regular intervals when playing 3D games. It similarly warns that “The vision of young children (especially those under six years old) is still under development. SCEA recommends that you consult your doctor (such as a pediatrician or eye doctor) before allowing young children to watch 3D video images or play stereoscopic 3D games. Adults should supervise young children to ensure they follow the recommendations listed above.”
Speaking to Dr. Michael Ehrenhaus – an ophthalmologist out of New York – Fox reports that Nintendo is primarily taking preemptive steps to be safe rather than sorry.
“It's hard to say that it'll ruin development,” Ehrenhaus told FoxNews.com. “I don't foresee it as a major issue, they're just being overly concerned.”
He elaborates on the topic, noting that young children who have a condition where one eye sees better than the other – Amblyopia – may be compounded by the additional eye strain of 3D.
In a previously reported story, the Nintendo DS was cited by one Dr. Nischal as a tool for combating Amblyopia, as it did in the case of six year old Ben Michaels. However, the prescription of play was noted on a regular Nintendo DS to help train the eye to focus, not a 3DS.
As always, it appears that the best option to alleviate any concerns is moderation in play. If you would like to prevent your child from viewing too much 3D entertainment, Nintendo has included parental controls that limit games to a 2D presentation.
[Via FoxNews. Thanks to Nate Strauman for the tip!]
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