Long computer use may be linked to glaucoma

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Long computer use may be linked to

glaucomahttp://www.iol.co.za/index.php?set_id=1 & click_id=117 & art_id=qw110053

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November 15 2004 at 12:00AM

 

London - Hours in front of a computer screen may increase the risk of

glaucoma in people who are myopic or short-sighted, Japanese scientists said

on Tuesday.

 

Glaucoma, which is caused by damage to the optic nerve, results in

blind spots or visual impairments that can rob people of their sight.

 

Smoking and high blood pressure are potential risk factors but

Japanese researchers believe excessive computer use may also play a role in

short-sighted people.

 

" Myopic workers with a history of long-term computer using might have

an increased risk of visual field abnormalities, possibly related to

glaucoma, " Dr Masayuki Tatemichi, of the Toho University School of Medicine

in Tokyo, said in a report in the British Journal of Ophthalmology.

 

'Computer stress is reaching higher levels than have ever been

experienced before'

The researchers studied about 10,000 workers in Japan who were chosen

for testing as part of a routine medical check-up. They also completed a

questionnaire about how much time they spent using a computer and any eye

problems. The average age of the participants was 43.

 

About five percent of the workers in the study had visual field

problems. A further test revealed about a third of them had suspected

glaucoma. The scientists said there appeared to be a link between glaucoma

and heavy computer use in the short-sighted.

 

They believe the optic nerve in short-sighted people may be more

vulnerable to computer stress than in normal eyes.

 

" Computer stress is reaching higher levels than have ever been

experienced before. In the next decade, therefore, it might be important for

public health professionals to show more concern about myopia and visual

field abnormalities in heavy computer users, " the scientists added.