Glaucoma and reading (screens and books) Help!!!
Posted , 3 users are following.
I am 38 years old and I was recently diagnosed with open angle Glaucoma (I already have some vision field lost on my left eye), we had some doubts if it may be normal tension glaucoma (the first 2 readings of my iop were 16 in both eyes and 12 in both eyes), but my last iop reading was 23 (left) and 26 (right). I started treatment with travorprost and my IOP will be check again in 2 months.
My question is: Could I save some vision (delay vision loss) if I stop using computers? Can screens raise my IOP? Is reading books better than reading from a screen?
I recently (2 years ago) changed my career path from teaching to IT, right now I work on a computer all day long and after that I study C.S for about 3-4 hours (previously I was also gaming but I stopped it). If saving some vision is the prize I wouldn't mind going back to my previous job.
I've spoken with 3 specialists so far, they are wonderful about explaining Glaucoma and IOP as well as treatments but no one will answer my doubts in regard to screens and book reading, they just talk about the 20/20/20 rule and about following the treatment (but they won't address my doubt about getting away from the screen could be beneficial delay some vision loss).
1 like, 2 replies
Marina_Dee alen78756
Edited
I think they cant give you an answer because there hasnt been sufficient research done. 2 studies, one done in Japan and one done in USA contradicted each other, so no one can give a definite response to this one.
The 20/20/20 rule is good advice and should be followed by anyone working continually on screens....that includes phones. So if you can only use a screen when essential you will be giving your eyes the best chance. Dont use screens in the dark....always have the light on. Same with reading a book....make sure its always in a good light and for not too long.
The most common problem with screen workers is often dry eye syndrome.
Pat1052021 alen78756
Edited
Alen78756, I was diagnosed with primary open angle glaucoma 10 years ago at age 59 (accidental discovery as I didn't know I had it). I've had ALT once, SLT twice (both eyes all times) and have been using 3 kinds of drops 4 times a day. (Just had a couple of laser procedures done during cataract surgery for the glaucoma, too) After the initial vision loss during the first year +/-, my right eye has been stable and left eye lost a little more vision. I tell you this because I'm an attorney and am at my computer every day with cell phone usage, too. That said, there's a study I read years ago done in Japan that concluded that computer usage puts one at risk for developing glaucoma. I haven't seen nor could I find a US study that contradicts - maybe Marina_Dee could share it?
I hope that the travaprost is successful. If it were me, I wouldn't wait 2 months for a pressure check though. BTW, as I understand it, if you have thin corneas (I do), then add 4 to the IOP of 16, for a real reading of 20. For me, 16 produces damage to visual field (it took years of testing to be able to see the trend). If corneas are thin, then subtract 4 from IOP reading, I'm told. Best of luck - you're really young to be dealing with this already, as I guess you've already figured out.
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