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Thanks to the worldwide web and box office record-breaking
popularity of “Avatar,” more people are discovering that viewing 3-D films can
have unexpected side effects: intense nausea, dizziness, and vertigo. These
symptoms sometimes result from general problems with vision, but also from a far
less well-known cause—visual-vestibular conflict.
| According to Executive Director Lisa Haven, PhD, of the
Vestibular Disorders Association, the vestibular organs of the inner
ear provide the brain with information about where the body is in
physical space, signaling whether the self or the environment is in
motion. |
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Films using 3-D technology such as “Avatar” are made by
recording and projecting separate images for each eye to create an illusion of
greater depth and movement. This illusion conflicts with information from the
vestibular organs, which signal that the body is still. When the brain attempts
to resolve the contradiction, distressing symptoms may result.
These symptoms manifest even more severely if a viewer
already has a disorder of the vestibular system. An estimated 69 million US
adults—35% of all Americans aged 40 and over—experience vestibular system
dysfunction. Dr. Haven notes that “Broad-based demographic studies consistently
show that vestibular disorders are under diagnosed and under treated. Viewers
who experience distressing symptoms during “Avatar” may be experiencing a
passing moment of visual-vestibular conflict—but if the reaction is strong and
symptoms persist, consulting an expert in vestibular disorders for an evaluation
makes good sense.” |
For those who want to see “Avatar” but already know that
they have a vestibular disorder, or for those who are prone to motion sickness
or simply have a temporary illness affecting their ears, Dr. Haven advises
choosing a theater showing a traditional screening over the 3-D viewing option.
For those not currently experiencing inner ear problems and
who intend to see the film in full 3-D glory, Dr. Haven still suggests sitting
back as far in the theater as possible—because the larger the 3-D image in the
visual field, the more likely it is that visual-vestibular conflict will occur.
If distressing symptoms occur, it’s imperative to rest and allow them to pass
and seek out assistance, especially if driving. “Driving during a vertigo attack
is dangerous,” said Dr. Haven. “If you get sick during “Avatar,” get immediate
help—and consider following up later with a vestibular disorders specialist.”
Provided by VEDA:
VESTIBULAR DISORDERS ASSOCIATION
www.vestibular.org
About 3-D movies:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/3-D_film |
