What an eyesore: Watching Sky 3D TV for hours 'can make viewers feel queasy'

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Sky is to investigate the effects of 3D television, following warnings that it can leave viewers feeling dizzy and nauseous.Experts have also said that 3D footage can disorientate the brain, causing eye strain and headaches.Sky launched its first dedicated 3D channel in October. Two months later, a study showed 3D TV can make up to 20 per cent of viewers physically sick.

Dizzy and disorientated: Sky is investigating its 3D technology to see if health advice is neededThe broadcaster, which uses the technology to show regular programming as well as films and sporting events, has now asked Newcastle University to conduct a study into the formats effects on viewers.

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A Sky spokesman said: We are conducting research into 3D, as we do regularly with our products and services to make sure they best match the demands and behaviours of our customers.The response weve had from Sky 3D homes so far has been overwhelmingly positive.

Queasy: Sky is investigating the claims that 3D programming makes viewers dizzy and feel unwell

A REAL HEAD-SPINNER

Another 3D device causing headaches is the Nintendo 3DS.

Hundreds of angry users have complained that playing on the console makes them feel unwell.

The handheld device was launched in March to huge fanfare in Britain, Europe and the U.S.

But gamers have reported side-effects including dizziness, nausea and headaches.

The Nintendo 3DS, which has two screens, a built-in motion sensor, three cameras and can also double as a pedometer,represents a major breakthrough as it is the first console to allow users to experience games in 3D without the need for special glasses.

The technology is different to that employed by the manufacturers of 3D televisions.But were keen to understand how different types of content, the viewing environment and the various 3D TV screens affect the overall experience. Hundreds of thousands of Britons have already bought3D-compatible television sets, inspired by the huge popularity the format has enjoyed in cinemas with releases such as Avatar. John Lewis said around 15 per cent of widescreen TVs it now sells are 3D-ready, while Dixons said one in three sets bought in its stores have 3D capability. But despite the formats success with consumers, the Association of Optometrists has said more research is needed into its long-term effects. James Sutton, an optometrist and founder of pharmacist Butterflies Healthcare, said 3D forces the eyes to work extremely hard. He added: For many people, especially children, it causes eye strain, headaches and dizziness. Experts do not recommend allowing those under eight to regularly use 3D glasses, because their eye muscles are still developing. And around 10 per cent of the UKs population have poor binocular vision, meaning they see blurry images instead of 3D effects, resulting in headaches. Some electronics manufacturers have issued disclaimers on 3D TV sets to protect themselves from legal claims.They warned that the technology may cause viewers to experience motion sickness, disorientation and eye strain.