Watching computer screen too long can lead to glaucoma

Main Category: Public Health
Article Date: 17 Nov 2004 - 10:00 PDT

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If you are short sighted and spend nine hours or more each day in front of your computer screen you are significantly increasing your chances of developing glaucoma - an eye disease which can eventually make you blind.

Scientists at Toho University, Japan, tested 10,000 office workers. Their average age was 43. They all had a check up, during the check they were asked how long they spent in front of a computer screen. Their histories of eye health/disease were also checked.

People who are short sighted are already at higher risk of developing glaucoma.

However, the researchers found that those who were short-sighted and sat in front of computer screens for long hours were at significantly higher risk of developing/having glaucoma - their chances of developing glaucoma were double (compared to non-computer screen watching people).

In the study, out of 500 short-sighted people who spent long hours in front of the computer screen, 350 either had glaucoma or showed symptoms for the onset of glaucoma.

The researchers said more studies are needed to accurately define risks for other groups - people with normal eyesight or those who are long-sighted.

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