Excessive computer use 'threat to eyesight'(glaucoma correlation had not been studied until now)

The Guardian ^ | November 16, 2004

[Truth666]

The potential dangers of the booming use of new technology in the office and at home were outlined by researchers at the Toho University school of medicine in Tokyo, Japan, in the Journal of Epidemiology. They tested 10,000 workers with an average age of 43 as part of a general medical check-up as well as collecting their histories of computer use and eye disease.

Just over 5% had visual field abnormalities and there appeared to be a significant link between these and heavy computer use among those with long or short sight. But detailed eye tests revealed that a third of these had suspected glaucoma, and this was more obvious in those with myopia.

They were told by New York eye specialists last year that wearing a tightly knotted tie could make the condition more likely.

A link with short sight has already been established for glaucoma, a disease in which fluid cannot flow out of the eye because meshwork in the coloured part, the iris, has become blocked. Pressure then builds up, threatening damage to nerve fibres in the back of the eye and the optic nerve.

But the added ingredient of heavy computer use, while long debated as a possible risk factor for short sight, has not been studied for glaucoma, according to David Wright, chief executive of the International Glaucoma Association (IGA), who said the researchers "have provided a fascinating study that needs to be followed up".

[Truth666]

So until now nobody tought about adding 1 and 1, right ?

[Darkwolf377]

Would you please post a less-blurry article? ;)

[dennisw]

Get an LCD monitor. Those CRTs have a good chance of cooking your eyeball (glaucoma) if you use them all day. Because they put out all kinds of radiation that come right at you. Would you sit 2 ft away from a TV set?

[Coldwater Creek]

Glaucoma can be caused by a number of things. It is hereditary and you can even be born with it. It can be caused by cataract surgery. It is a horrible eye disease.

[gop_gene]

Oh great, I hope this is just another "junk science" theory. I work at home and spend practically all day on the computer. I'd rather die than go blind!

[The Turbanator]

"Oh come on, how bad can it be?"

[Ichneumon]

At least there's an easy test. If you can read the fourth line of the chart from a distance of two feet from your monitor, you've got nothing to worry about:

[Terpfen]

Oh, geez.

LCD monitors render text clearer, lessening eye strain. Windows XP, in addition, has a font readability/smoothing option called ClearType, which helps even more with the readability. I've got it enabled on a 17'' LCD monitor running at 1280x1024. It's perfectly readable, and my eyes are fine.

[Cacique]

I am not sure I trust anything published in the Guardian anymore.

[dennisw]

Oh, geez.

LCD monitors render text clearer, lessening eye strain. Windows XP, in addition, has a font readability/smoothing option called ClearType, which helps even more with the readability. I've got it enabled on a 17'' LCD monitor running at 1280x1024. It's perfectly readable, and my eyes are fine.

ClearType is the only reason I use XP. 
I have a 17" LCD running at the same optimum (default) 1280x1024 resolution. If I had money to squander I would go for a 19" but I don't really need one
LCDs are more relaxing. Less busy. You will read more and skim less with an LCD

[Proud_texan]

"Excessive computer use 'threat to eyesight'"

MSM urges return to print, TV so they don't have to continue to cook reader/viewer numbers.

[Riley]

I have never had much of an interest in this until just recently, when I started to notice some changes in my (normally excellent) eyesight. I just turned on Clear Text, and it does seem to be an improvement. Now to find a good, very affordable LCD monitor...

[Khurkris]

there it is...

I use a 17" LCD and Firefox browser. I hit ctrl+ += and enlarge screen as needed.

No worrys Mon!

[Route101]

Jeez Louise!!!...Now I have to cut back on my Porno sight visits?????......

[Route101]

Was that one boobie or two???

[Nataku X]

ROTFL

[bd476]

Is LCD the same as flat screen or is it a flat monitor? Forgive me if this is a dumb question - glaucoma is hereditary in my family and it's sleep depriving pondering a new concern - vision is blurry enough right now, ty very much! :-)

Also are LCD monitors expensive? Thanks.

[Fresh Wind]

Excessive computer use is a threat to TV network profits.

[Paleo Conservative]

Get an LCD monitor. Those CRTs have a good chance of cooking your eyeball (glaucoma) if you use them all day.

If you wear glasses, get anti-UV coatings on them.

[Pete'sWife]

Uh oh