The academic, whose career has focused on researching the vision system, is cross-eyed and had been unable to see in full 'stereo' vision for most of his life. However, a trip to see Martin Scorsese's celebration of classic cinema in February 2012 was the alleged catalyst that led to a significant improvement in Bridgeman's 3D vision.
Talking to CNN about his condition, Bridgeman says "you still see the world as kind of, in theory, three-dimensional, but the experience is more flat. I didn't realise that until I began to see in proper stereo."
Although he says his depth perception is still imperfect, it has vastly improved since his 3D experiences. He believes it is possible for those with poor eyesight to experience a sudden 'vision epiphany' like he did.
Acknowledging his story is currently more anecdotal than scientifically proven, Bridgeman theorises dormant cells in his visual cortex might have awakened during the film.
Cautious optimism
Without full research backing up Bridgeman's observations, other observers remain cautiously optimistic about the potential of 3D cinema as a treatment for eyesight problems. According to Paul Harris of the Southern College of Optometry in Tennessee, "certainly immersion in a 3-D movie could, if somebody had a marginal vision system, could absolutely improve it... [But] I wouldn't prescribe (a movie)."
However, the possibility of poor depth perception improving through 'training' would mark a shift from some perceptions that it is an untreatable or permanent condition.
Although Bridgeman has seen a positive impact from 3D technology, it is estimated somewhere around 12% of viewers are still unable to view a 'stereo image' on screen. Some viewers can feel motion sickness while watching 3D cinema, and some critics maintain it forces the eyes to work in an unnatural, potentially damaging way.
Reports from as early as 2010 argue audiences have begun to reject 3D screenings in favour of traditional ones, but 3D offerings remain commonplace in cinemas even as 3D televisions have struggled to take off.
(Photo: Paramount)
