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Eye Care Archive (Expert Forum)
Computer Usage and Degenerative Myopia
Our Ask A Doctor Ophthalmology Forum is where you can post your question and receive a personal answer from physicians affiliated with the American Academy of Ophthalmology.
Computer Usage and Degenerative Myopia
by rotoplooker, Nov 09, 2006 12:00AM
Hi,
I'm interested to find out if you think heavy computer use can make a person more myopic.
I say this because this year I was diagnosed with myopic degeneration in both eyes and this year (last 12 months) has been a very heavy year in terms of computer use possibly a 60% increase in computer use. I have already cut right down on computer use and quit online gaming and just lurking near my machine simply because I wanted to anyway.
Up until the last 12 months my prescription was very stable even though it was just over -14 with no degen and this has now changed to -15.
it all seems to link to me, but I totally changed my computer working habits.
Any advice or thoughts would be great!
thanks
roto
I'm interested to find out if you think heavy computer use can make a person more myopic.
I say this because this year I was diagnosed with myopic degeneration in both eyes and this year (last 12 months) has been a very heavy year in terms of computer use possibly a 60% increase in computer use. I have already cut right down on computer use and quit online gaming and just lurking near my machine simply because I wanted to anyway.
Up until the last 12 months my prescription was very stable even though it was just over -14 with no degen and this has now changed to -15.
it all seems to link to me, but I totally changed my computer working habits.
Any advice or thoughts would be great!
thanks
roto
Doctor's Answer
by Forum-OD-MP, Nov 09, 2006 12:00AM
well yes and no. yes, heavy computer use does usually cause increase in myopia from accommodative spasm. it also IMO accellerates myopia progression in children.
but it has nothing to do with "myopic degeneration" or retinal thinning from having an excessively large eye.
so while it probably did contribute to your Rx changing from -14 to -15, it is not affecting your retina. i only mention retinal problems not b/c you mention them, but b/c the term "myopic degeneration" generally refers to retinal problems associated with myopia (but not computer use)
but it has nothing to do with "myopic degeneration" or retinal thinning from having an excessively large eye.
so while it probably did contribute to your Rx changing from -14 to -15, it is not affecting your retina. i only mention retinal problems not b/c you mention them, but b/c the term "myopic degeneration" generally refers to retinal problems associated with myopia (but not computer use)
Member Comments (2)
by rotoplooker, Nov 09, 2006 12:00AM
forgot to mention I'm 31 years of age
by rotoplooker, Nov 10, 2006 12:00AM
thanks for your response
by PleaseHelpMyRedEyes, Oct 12, 2008 01:26AM
A related discussion, Struggle with episcleritis and blufferitis causing red eyes be caused by computer usage? was started.
