Is the 3D effect a myth or a fact?
The answer is it could be both!
The advent of 3D movies such as Avatar and the expected explosion of 3D Television is creating concerns in the community worldwide as to the effect of 3D viewing in “triggering” an epileptic seizure.
In some cases these concerns are indeed valid, in others it is merely adding another myth to the mystery of epilepsy, particularly in the minds of those who are not epilepsy sufferers.
As much as awareness of epilepsy and what it is, and more importantly what it is NOT, is growing in society through various information campaigns, the misguided stigmas attached to epileptics are still unfortunately prevalent in those who do not have epilepsy or are not close to someone who does.
For those that are epileptics they are generally well aware that epilepsy has many forms (types) and seizures manifest themselves in many different ways.
The main concern should be – do you have “Photosensitive Epilepsy”?
The following is a brief extract from Wikipedia explaining photosensitive epilepsy – there is much more specific information available however this should suffice to get across my message.
“In some epileptics, flickering or flashing lights, such as strobe lights, can be responsible for the onset of a tonic clonic, absence, or myoclonic seizure. This condition is known as photosensitive epilepsy, and in some cases, the seizures can be triggered by activities that are harmless to others, such as watching television or playing video games, or by driving or riding during daylight along a road with spaced trees, thereby simulating the “flashing light” effect. Some people can suffer a seizure as a result of blinking one’s own eyes. Contrary to popular belief, this form of epilepsy is relatively uncommon, accounting for just 3% of all cases. In all other epileptics, such lights are no more capable of triggering a seizure than in a non-epileptic person.
A routine part of the EEG test involves exposing the patient to flickering lights in order to attempt to induce a seizure, to determine if such lights may be triggering a seizure in the patient, and to be able to read the wavelengths when such a seizure occurs”.
So in my opinion to confirm or obviate any concerns or fears you may have for yourself or loved ones about the trigger factor of viewing 3D Television or 3D movies it would be pertinent to confirm with your doctor, paediatrician or neurologist as to whether you or your loved ones do indeed suffer from PHOTOSENSITIVE epilepsy.
There are many things that can trigger seizures in different people, one which is fairly common is STRESS – so eliminate the stress and worry you may have about the effects of 3D Television by simply consulting with your physician or primary carer.
Why deprive yourself or your loved ones of the experience of 3D Television viewing just because of a maybe?
If you do not have photosensitive epilepsy then the risks should be negligible.
Many people without epilepsy will feel a bit funny, dizzy, experience headaches etc after watching a 3D movie, after all the transmission and the 3D glasses are playing tricks on your eyes and brain – so in epileptics feeling these sensations it does not necessarily mean the advent of a seizure.
In summary, the only people who can tell you if 3D Television or movies will affect you is your doctor(s), so don’t listen to rumours or innuendo – enjoy the experience.
If you happen to be in the approximate 3% of epileptics with photosensitive epilepsy then I feel for you, however again talk to your physician, maybe there is a way to offset the effects (some say taking an increased dose ( such an increase validated by your doctor) of anti-convulsants prior to and after watching 3D Television or 3D movies can be beneficial, however that is only hearsay.
I am the father of a 23 year old daughter who was diagnosed with Complex Partial Seizures Epilepsy ( formerly known as Grand Mal) at the age of 6 months (initially mis-diagnosed as febrile seizures much to our dismay). I am not a medical practitioner however I have “practical” experience in living with, caring for and fighting for my daughter (who also has intellectual and physical disabilities) and in doing so have tried to keep up with what is happening in the field of epilepsy – research, medications and social awareness. Hopefully this short article is of some value to you.