In the evolution of living beings, the visual organs went from being simple light sensors a billion years ago to forming complex optical and nervous systems. Initially, these systems offered living beings acceptable monocular vision of their immediate surroundings, but this evolved further as the vision of both eyes was combined and integrated into the appropriate brain processes. This, which sounds complicated, is what we know as 3D image perception, which constitutes normal vision in healthy individuals: one eye sees an image, and the other sees the same image but from a different angle. These two images are integrated in the brain, giving rise to the so-called three-dimensional or depth illusion. To have this type of vision, also called stereoscopic or relief vision, proper visual function in both eyes is necessary, and the brain connections that enable this function must be stimulated and developed before the end of visual cortical maturation, which in the human brain occurs around seven years of age.
The use of 3D illusion in cinematography began in 1915 in New York and reached its peak in the 1950s, fading into obscurity for many years with only occasional productions appearing until recent years. But lately, it seems to be making a comeback thanks to improvements in the technology involved. Currently, high-definition cameras are used to create it. Both images are projected in theaters, and by using special glasses that allow each eye to distinguish the corresponding image, the brain creates the desired optical illusion.
So what does ophthalmology have to do with all this? Well, people who don't have proper vision in both eyes can't experience the so-called three-dimensional illusion and, among other things, don't enjoy this effect in 3D movies. Most commonly, this is due to a lack of adequate optical correction or the presence of what's known as "lazy eye," which, if detected early (before age seven), can be corrected in most cases. That's why, if you have trouble perceiving the depth effect in movies or other formats (prints, etc.), or you notice it in your children, the best advice is to see an ophthalmologist, who will perform the appropriate tests to determine the cause of the problem.
Because it also seems that this time 3D is here to stay for a long time…
The use of 3D illusion in cinematography began in 1915 in New York and reached its peak in the 1950s, fading into obscurity for many years with only occasional productions appearing until recent years. But lately, it seems to be making a comeback thanks to improvements in the technology involved. Currently, high-definition cameras are used to create it. Both images are projected in theaters, and by using special glasses that allow each eye to distinguish the corresponding image, the brain creates the desired optical illusion.
So what does ophthalmology have to do with all this? Well, people who don't have proper vision in both eyes can't experience the so-called three-dimensional illusion and, among other things, don't enjoy this effect in 3D movies. Most commonly, this is due to a lack of adequate optical correction or the presence of what's known as "lazy eye," which, if detected early (before age seven), can be corrected in most cases. That's why, if you have trouble perceiving the depth effect in movies or other formats (prints, etc.), or you notice it in your children, the best advice is to see an ophthalmologist, who will perform the appropriate tests to determine the cause of the problem.
Because it also seems that this time 3D is here to stay for a long time…
Dr. Javier Rodríguez Martín
Medical Director – NIVARIA CLINIC
Specialist in Ophthalmology - University Hospital of the Canary Islands.