[Linah Baliga, The Times of India]

MUMBAI: Thinking of catching the latest 3D movie? You may have to reconsider your plans. According to the BMC, 3D glasses provided at theatres and multiplexes are one of the main reasons for the rise in cases of conjunctivitis in the city. 

The civic body has also issued an advisory to theatres and multiplexes to exercise caution. “People will be instructed not to use spectacles that have been used by others for watching 3D movies. 

All theatre owners have been asked to sterilize these glasses or provide disposable spectacles to viewers,” said Manisha Mhaiskar, additional municipal commissioner at the civic standing committee meeting on Wednesday. She added that cases of conjunctivitis rose in areas where 3D movies have been released. 

“The BMC has decided to issue notices to the managements of theatres and multiplexes where 3D movies are running,” she said. 

A 3D film is a motion picture that enhances the illusion of depth perception. Derived from stereoscopic photography, a regular motion picture camera system is used to record the images as seen from two perspectives, and special projection hardware or eyewear are used to provide the illusion of depth when viewing the film. 

The issue on isolated cases of conjunctivitis was raised by Rajul Patel, chairperson, BMC’s health committee. He said that with the onset of monsoon, there are chances of the viral infections spreading on a large scale. “Erratic weather and fluctuating temperature are the main reasons for the spread of conjunctivitis. However, use of the same 3D spectacles by many viewers may be exacerbating the situation. At least five cases of conjunctivitis are being reported at major hospitals like Sion, KEM and Nair every day. The BMC has issued an advisory to the theatres to either sterilize the spectacles or discard them after single use. I’ve demanded to issue notices to theatres,” he said. 

According to the civic advisory, conjunctivitis is a viral infection that is more common during monsoon. It spreads through air, contact with articles like handkerchiefs and towels used by infected persons, lack of personal hygiene or even in a crowd. Red eye, irritation and watering of the eyes are the common symptoms of conjunctivitis, which can be treated in six to seven days. 

Sunil Punjabi, CEO, Cinemax Cinemas said, “We follow the prescribed sanitation process. The glasses are cleaned at regular intervals before reuse. All precautions are taken to maintain hygiene.” 

A source said, “Some cinema halls do take precautions, but it is not possible to check every person and is difficult to send an infected person back.” 

“There are two kinds of glasses cinema halls provide. The price of these glasses ranges from Rs 150 to Rs 750, which the theatre owners spend from their own pocket, so it is not possible for them to throw them away after every show,” the source added.

See the original story here: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/mumbai/3D-glasses-spreading-conjunctivitis-BMC/articleshow/8956601.cms