Deteriorating Vision? There’s Only Age To Blame


There is only age to blameIt would seem that our loss of vision can no longer be attributed to the use of technology. An optometry professor in America recently stated that we can only blame our deteriorating vision on our advancing age, not on television or computer use. Evidence put forward suggested that we really only have our age to blame.

The main problem with viewing objects up close comes not from the small print, but from environment around us. Poor lighting and small screens can lead to eye strain, whilst other problems can occur due to inadequate seating and poor posture. It is likely that everyone has experienced these symptoms before: dry eye, sore, red and aching eyes, usually due to overuse. Opthalmologists recommend regular breaks when viewing objects closely for long periods, letting the eyes to relax by looking at distant objects for around 20 seconds every 15 minutes.

It also seems that arranging our workspace may be just as helpful when it comes to preventing eye strain. Having the background light the same brightness as the screen and using a font that stops us squinting are advice given to businesses to help them protect employees from eye strain.

Another concern over the use of light sources such as television’s and computers is that they can alter our ‘body clock’ or circadian rhythm. The bright light emitted by these devices when viewed late into the evenings can disturb and even prevent us from sleeping properly, sometimes leading to health problems. Further research into occupational light levels and health is currently being undertaken, in the hope that this information will be used to better protect at risk individuals.

Already this information has been used to help produce light bulbs that alter the intensity of light they emit at different times of the day. It is hoped that they can be used in hospitals and nursing homes to help residents sleep better. Experts say that there is a greater risk of a screen falling on you than there is of it damaging your eyes, so always take caution when at your computer!

31st July 2009

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