Extended Use of LCD Displays Reduces Eye Protein Levels, Study Finds
Fans of dedicated eBook readers with E-Paper displays have long known that the paper-like screen allows for relatively effortless reading even over longer periods. However, as smartphones and tablets become increasingly widespread and pixel density continues to increase thanks to higher resolution displays, more and more people are using these multi-purpose devices for reading eBooks. A study from Japan now confirms that these devices may possibly cause or at least exacerbate eye problems.
The study examined the eyes of 96 people, ranging from young to middle-aged adults (60 men, 36 women). It measured the concentration of MUC5AC protein produced in the front part of the eye, which is a component of the normal tear film.
The result: Individuals who worked less than five hours a day with standard computer monitors had 9.6 ng/mg MUC5AC in their tear film, whereas those spending more than seven hours a day in front of a monitor had an average of only 5.9 ng/mg of the protein.
Extended Work on LCDs Leads to Problems
One of the study’s authors compares these low levels to those of people diagnosed with medical eye lubrication disorders, where the protein concentration is only 3.5 ng/mg.
The causes of these problems are varied, though a low blink rate and tendency to keep the eyes too wide open while reading from a computer monitor seem to be key factors. In an interview with Reuters, the study director stated: “When we look at computer screens, our blink rate is reduced compared to reading a book.”
This raises the question of the exact cause of the damaging effect, as it is quite possible that the monitor itself isn’t the problem, but rather the activity undertaken while working with it. However, the characteristics of a typical LCD, such as its transmissive function, could also (partly) be responsible.
In any case, the study director is convinced that reading a book poses no problems, suggesting that eBook readers with reflective E-Ink displays, which don’t constantly refresh the image, should also be safe. For those wanting to err on the side of caution, the built-in lighting should only be used as needed and not continuously at full brightness.
