Over 7 million people in the UK can’t see 3D

3D is currently the hottest feature in videogames and movies. Sony is leading the charge with 3D televisions, 3D Blu-ray support for the PS3 and its upgrading of current games with 3D support. Nintendo is taking 3D to the handheld market with the 3DS. Both companies are hoping to conquer as much of the new 3D market as possible. However there’s a slight problem. Not everyone can see 3D.

According to report from The Eyecare Trust, 12 percent of people in the United Kingdom have problems viewing 3D content. Based on the current UK population, (and using the 12 percent limit) over 7 million of them won’t have a need for anything in 3D. The charity also says the rest of the world is likely to share these same statistics.

The chairman of The Eyecare Trust Dharmesh Patel said not all people realize they have a 3D impairment.

“There will be people who have not attended an eye examination in years and are probably unaware they have a lazy eye or something like that. Some people won’t even know why they can’t see it. Sometimes something can be done, but it depends on the individual case,” said Dharmesh.

The 3DS has a slider that can change the intensity of its 3D images. The user can simply turn the 3D off if they choose. The 3DS still has more processing power than the DS which will result in more graphically impressive games. Sony faces a much larger problem. There’s no reason to purchase a 3D television if you can’t see it. Visual impairments should hinder PS3 sales, but Sony’s investment in 3D movies and television programs could take a sizable hit.

Gamertell also has a piece on seeing 3D with a visual impairment that’s worth reading.

Via [MCV] Read [The Sixth Axis]