Nintendo 3DS Approved By Optometrists For Kids Under Six

You would think that all these years of being told not to sit too close to the TV, not to read a book too close, not to play video games for extended periods for the sake of your vision, that optometrists, of all people, would be up in arms against young children fixated for long hours on the dizzying 3D graphics of the Nintendo 3DS. But nope, they are all for it. In fact, they think the use of the Nintendo 3DS for children under the age of 6 will help identify vision problems early on.

Despite manufacturer's warnings that 3D screens should not be used by children 6 or younger for fear of harm to their immature vision, optometrists are saying the opposite. "The 3DS could be a godsend for identifying kids under 6 who need vision therapy," said Michael Duenas, associate director for health sciences and policy for the American Optometric Association. Joe Ellis, president of the optometrists' association even said, "This has presented my profession, optometry, a wonderful opportunity."

However, ophthalmologists or eye surgeons—actual medical doctors—don't quite agree. Nonetheless, the Nintendo 3DS is hitting U.S. shelves March 27 for $250 and will likely land in the hands of many youths including those younger than 6. Would you let your kids have at it or do you think optometrists are just celebrating the oncoming of more patients?

[via USA Today]