Okay, so people have been complaining about “eye strain” when it comes to, apparently, only LCD’s and the backlit strain of monitors [read, all monitors] but not when it comes to eInk devices like the Kindle. I’ve yet to find any scientific proof that this is anything other than anecdotal and in my opinion purely ergonomic issues as well as environmental; you have dry eyes because you are staring at something, it could be your desk or a pencil and you aren’t sitting properly in your chair.
So, I started digging around, and reading material on the subject matter. Apparently it is referred to as “Computer Vision Syndrome” in scientific and professional circles. And there is an interesting 2005 book on the subject that discusses it and what is referred to as Visual Ergonomics.
Some factors involved in Computer Vision Syndrome appear to be Eyestrain, Headaches, Blurred Vision, Dry Eyes, Irritated Eyes, Neck Pain, Back Pain, Light Sensitivity, Double Vision, After Images and Color Distortion. Now, some of these are serious issues. But, Neck and Back Pain can be written off as purely ergonomic. In the most simplistic terms, put your screens and hold your iPad in a manner that prevents you from curling your spine and bending your neck up or down for extended periods of time.
In the book, Visual ergonomics Handbook by Jeffrey Anshel, he starts out shooting by stating that a research project found that upwards of 90% of computer workers indicate visual symptoms whereas only 22% report musculoskeletal disorders. He also states that those who reported visual issues “often occurs when the viewing demand of the task exceeds the visual abilities of the computer user” which makes me think of the insurance claim that a vast majority of car accidents is caused by excessive speed. I have to ask; How slow do the parties have to be traveling to avoid an accident? Well, one party or the other was moving excessively if there was an impact. I know, pedantic. But true.
I would like to find a source that has researched the real issue here. For the most part, humans are designed to receive light through the eye upwards of 20 hours a day depending on who you talk to regarding sleep duration. Does it matter if it comes from a full spectrum source like the sun which is then modified by the atmosphere or is the spectrum emitted by LCD and backlit monitors so drastically different that it is impacting the physicality of the human eye? It is rare that there is a physical muscle impacted to cause “eye strain” yet we report our eyes being tired.
If you are interested in this book, and the topic of Visual Ergonomics or Computer Vision Syndrome, you should get it wherever it is sold. I have only read what was available via Google Scholar. I’ve read several other research papers, but it seems mostly anecdotal and I can always talk about that huge wave you missed last weekend too.
Related posts:
You must log in to post a comment.