Partner Nintendo 3DS Central Social

Can eReaders Damage your Eyes?

Demon_Skeith

Demon_Skeith

Administrator
Staff member
Administrator
89,184
2007
4,747
Credits
42,977
Full year of Nintendo Online
Steal Penalty
You're Rich Money Bags Award
Profile Music
A lot of reading gets done on screens. Emails, instant messaging, texting, all your favorite websites, and if e-reader manufacturers have their way, even all of your books; not to mention all the games, TV shows, movies, and videos. So is it possible to look at a screen for too long?

According to doctors interviewed by the New York Times, not really. "Sitting close to a television, or computer screen, isn't bad for our eyes. It's a variety of other factors that can cause physical fatigue," says Dr. Travis Meredith, chair of the ophthalmology department at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Different display technologies have different strengths and weaknesses. While the e-ink in an e-reader may be better for reading under well-lit conditions, LCD displays are preferable low light conditions. Similarly, different types of paper and ink can be easier on the eyes than others. Even the reflectiveness of the iPhone's glossy screen plays a role. What this means is that the best display depends on where you're sitting.

As for trying to minimize fatigue, Director of the Human Factors and Ergonomics Laboratory at Cornell University, Professor Alan Hedge, says it's more about giving your eyes frequent opportunities for rest. "While you're reading, your eyes make about 10,000 movements an hour. It's important to take a step back every 20 minutes and let your eyes rest."

more here

so would you agree that sitting to close to a monitor would damage your eyes?
 
Yes, starring at screens all day can be bad for your health. I also think people should just use self-control, and not stare at screens all day.
 
Demon_Skeith said:
what do you do if you got a computer job?
Click to expand...

If your boss let you, you can take a few second break to look at a distant object every 20 minutes.

In order to improve communication and understanding of the vision problems at computers, the American Optometric Association supports the use of the term "Computer Vision Syndrome" (CVS) to broadly encompass the visual problems experienced at Video Display Terminal. CVS can be used to refer to the entirety of visual problems experienced by computer users and therefore improve communication and understanding of these problems.

To reduce your risk for computer vision syndrome and neck, back and shoulder pain, take every hour breaks during your computer work day.

According to a recent study conducted by the National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), discomfort and eye strain were significantly lower when computer workers took four additional five-minute "mini-breaks" throughout their work day ( 20 extra minutes of break time each day).

Every 20 minutes, blink 10 times by closing your eyes as if falling asleep (very slowly). This will help rewet your eyes.

To reduce your risk of tiring your eyes by constantly focusing on your screen, look away from your computer every 20 minutes and gaze at a distant object outside or down the hallway. Looking far away relaxes the focusing muscles inside the eye to reduce fatigue.

Another exercise is to look far away at an object for 10-15 seconds, then gaze at something up close for 10-15 seconds. Then look back at the distant object. Do this 10 times. This exercise reduces the risk of your eyes' focusing ability to "lock up" (a condition called accommodative spasm) after prolonged computer work.


Ans also, adjust the display settings on your computer so the brightness of the screen is about the same as your work environment.
Eliminate exterior light by closing drapes, shades or blinds. Reduce interior lighting by using fewer light bulbs or fluorescent tubes, or use lower intensity bulbs and tubes. If possible, position your monitor so that windows are to the side of it, instead of in front or back.
Source(s): http://www.aoa.org/
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top