Waverley Eye Care Centre

Children Should Get Eye Exam Before Using 3D Games

PRESS RELEASE

CHILDREN SHOULD GET EYE EXAM BEFORE USING 3D GAMES

WINNIPEG, MB, MARCH 28, 2011: With the release of the Nintendo 3DS yesterday, the issue of eye safety in children under 6 has come into question. 1 in 20 children under the age of 6 suffer from amblyopia (lazyeye) and usually have no symptoms. Amblyopia(Lazyeye) occurs when a child does not develop normal vision in one eye. This impairs the ability to see 3D images or have normal depth perception. Amblyopia can only be treated if detected and diagnosed, therefore and eye exam with an Optometrist is critical for children under 6.

The Nintendo 3DS uses a new innovative design which shows a slightly different image to each eye. The result is the ability to see 3D images without the need for 3D glasses. Nintendo has officially warned that this technology should not be used by children under the age of 6 because it may harm their immature vision. Eye doctors, on the contrary, have said this or other 3D technology may not directly harm a young child’s vision. In children with amblyopia, it could result in eyestrain and headaches.

According to available reports less than 15% of children under 6 years old have had an eye exam. This means preventable vision loss has gone undiagnosed and untreated. Some parents wait for kindergarten vision screenings. These screenings come too late for treating amblyopia. An eye exam with their Optometrist starting at age 3 ensures the normal development of 3D vision in children.


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Common Eye Conditions: 0-6yrs

Common Eye Conditions that may be noted in 6 year olds and under include the following:  Myopia(nearsightedness), Hyperopia (farsightedness), Astigmatism, Amblyopia(Lazy Eye), Strabismus (turned eye) and Eye Infections. 

In my opinion the most important of these is Amblyopia, which affects 5% of children and responds well to treatment under the age of 6.  Unfortunately it only affects one eye so most children will often have no symptoms or complaints.  Worse yet, any reduced vision that is still present after the age of 7 is usually permanent.  Amblyopia is an important reason to ensure annual eye exams starting at 3 years old.

 

Michael Nelson, OD