There is no doubt about it – Sony is trying their best to push 3D entertainment into the homes of consumers everywhere. Recently, many concerns have been raised as to how 3D affects your eyes, and subsequently, your vision. It’s not just consumers who are concerned either, Sony is concerned enough to update their online terms of service to include a warning about 3D.
PlayStation Network users were recently notified about a change to their terms of service. The updated terms include a warning about 3D and the possibility it may affect your eyes, along with a recommendation that you take breaks during 3D gaming sessions to reduce “discomfort”. Here are the changes to PlayStation Network’s terms and conditions:
“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.”
“SCEA recommends that all viewers take regular breaks while watching 3D video or playing stereoscopic 3D games. The length and frequency of necessary breaks may vary from person to person. Please take breaks that are long enough to allow any feelings of discomfort to subside. If symptoms persist, consult a doctor.”
“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.”
3D imagery has been around for ages, however, this is the first time it’s making its way into people’s homes where they’ll likely be exposed to it more frequently and for extended periods of time. Due to this, there isn’t much research done on the long-term affects that 3D may have on your eyes. Early research points to 3D possibly being able to harm the development of the eyes of children under the age of 7, who have yet to fully develop their vision. More research is needed to come to a conclusion about how it may affect adults, so in the mean time, if you own a 3D TV or plan to buy one, you might want to heed Sony’s warning and take breaks if you feel any discomfort.
While this is definitely more Sony covering their behinds legally in the off-chance that 3D harms someone’s eyes or impairs their vision in any way, it’s nice to see they do care about the vision of the consumers who purchase and use their products.
To read the updated PlayStation Network terms and conditions, click here, or please visit: http://us.playstation.com/support/termsofuse/index.htm?EMC-PSUWelcome&ATTR=PSU_PSNTOSUAEM_W001_PPP_AL2_001_TOS_T#PSNToSUA
