Heavy use of computers may lead to blindness

Researchers believe that staring at a computer screen can lead to progressive eye diseases, such as glaucoma.

A study in Japan has found that staring at a screen could be related to &to=http://english.pravda.ru/science/19/94/378/12674_alien.html' target=_blank>glaucoma, which can lead to blindness.

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The latest study, by the Toho University School of Medicine, Tokyo, finds the risk is particularly strong for the short-sighted.

Glaucoma is more common in old age and happens when the optic nerve in the eye is damaged, leading to visual abnormalities. The exact causes are unknown, reports This is London.

According to Guardian, the potential dangers of the booming use of new technology in the office and at home were outlined by researchers at the Toho University school of medicine in Tokyo, Japan, in the Journal of Epidemiology. They tested 10,000 workers with an average age of 43 as part of a general medical check-up as well as collecting their histories of computer use and eye disease.

Just over 5% had visual field abnormalities and there appeared to be a significant link between these and heavy &to=http://english.pravda.ru/society/2003/03/13/44350.html' target=_blank>computer use among those with long or short sight. But detailed eye tests revealed that a third of these had suspected glaucoma, and this was more obvious in those with myopia.

David Wright, chief executive of the International Glaucoma Association in Britain, said: "This is the first evidence of a link between computers and glaucoma, but the widespread use of computers is at unprecedented levels and it is reasonable to expect some effect on the visual system."

He added: "I think that there are two extremely valuable points that need to be emphasised. First, anyone involved in heavy computer use should receive regular comprehensive eye examinations to detect the earliest possible signs of the development of glaucoma, when treatment is most effective.

"Secondly, it will be important to follow this study with further research to establish the validity of this initial indication of a potential problem," informs Times on Line.

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