Originally published 14th December 2004
New medical research has for the first time suggested a link between long-term computer use and eye disease. If substantiated, this could lead to glaucoma becoming the next long-tail disease to hit employer’s liability insurers.
A recent Japanese study of 9,000 workers employed in the electronic and steel industries published in the December 2004 issue of the Journal of Environmental & Community Health has found an association between long-term heavy computer use and an increased risk of developing glaucoma. Further research is required to confirm the link and ascertain the extent of the problem.
The report classes those who work with computers for eight or more hours per day as 'heavy' users. Only those with myopia (short-sightedness) are at increased risk. Interestingly, the report noted the opposite effect on test subjects with normal sight – the risk actually decreased as computer use increased. Smoking and high blood pressure are other
