IUBio

Effect of computer screens on eyes

Dr. Alex aledain at receptor.pharm.uwa.edu.au
Wed May 29 19:36:41 EST 1996


In article <mndmic09.18.000EB8D0 at scilab.uct.ac.za>,
   mndmic09 at scilab.uct.ac.za wrote:
>If anyone knows about the possible effects computer screens have on eyes, I'd 
>appreciate comments and help. My e-mail address is SHRMIC09 at scilab.uct.ac.za
>
>I am at a bit of a loss. When I use computer screens, my eyes become 
sensitive 
>to bright light, and I get pixel afterimages which last for several hours or 
>days. I've had this for a few years now, but it's become worse lately. I find 
>colour monitors affect my eyes more so than the old green/orange monitors.
>
>My optometrist was unable to help, except to tell me that my eyes were fine 
>(apart from a very slight case of long-sightedness).

Interesting, I also have experienced this problem. However, I find the 
sensitivity to bright light is not just due to exposure to the vdu, but 
instead due to the fact that the light intensity is often less in areas where 
computer screens are used. However, what I hypothesise is that perhaps the 
light intensity of the computer screen is either less than normal - hence pain 
on exposure to bright light ... or perhaps the intensity is greater and 
because we stare hard at the terminal, this intensity is focussed on the 
macula lutea. Then the pain experienced is the peripheral photoreceptors 
responding to the sudden increase in overall light intensity to the retina 
when we venture forth. 

As for the pixel after images, I cannot help. But, if you stare fixedly at a 
blank wall (for example) you can inwardly focus your eyes and begin to observe 
the retinal blood vessels. They appear as fixed lines or spots in your field 
of vision. Could it be this? Of course if whenever you close your eyes, the 
Win'95 logo appears on your retina ... take a break from computing ... oh and 
upgrade to OS/2!

cheers, Alex



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