Glaucoma is a relatively common eye disease that develops very slowly with progressive sight defects or visual abnormalities over time . Researchers say heavy computer use may increase the risk of developing glaucoma, especially in near-sighted people, according to a new study.
Researchers in Japan evaluated the sight of workers in four different Japanese companies, employing over 5,000 people each. A random sample of 10,000 workers, with an average age of 43, was selected for testing.For the study computer use was categorized into five-year blocks, ranging from less than five years to more than 20 years and took into account the average time spent in front of the computer, ranging from one to eight hours at a time.
Results showed a significant link between heavy computer and visual field abnormalities among far- and near-sighted workers. However, workers who showed signs of glaucoma, were also more likely to be near-sighted heavy computer users.
Thus researchers say they feel that the optic nerve in near-sighted people may be more vulnerable to computer stress than it is in normal eyes based on their findings .
