Is having my laptop close to my face making me more and more near-sighted?

Question

I'm near-sighted and wear glasses and some of my relatives are saying it's because the laptop is either too close to my face or because I'm on it to much. What is the explanation for my near-sightedness that seems to be getting worse?

Answer 1

I understand your confusion with this one.  Eyestrain is the worst thing that can happen to you if you use a laptop for prolonged periods of time.

Your degree of nearsightedness is mostly likely caused by genetics.  I am not sure what you age, your degree of nearsightedness, or family history.  All of those can play a role in determining how nearsighted you will be when your vision stops changing.

I use a computer CRT monitor at work for 8-10 hours a day and a laptop at home for a few hours after that.  I have astigmatism in my left eye and wear a contact lens to correct it most of the time.  My right eye is normal.  Nearsightedness, farsightedness, and astigmatism are all present in my family.    I was diagnosed with astigmatism well before I was able to use a computer.

Answer 2

They are probably correct about your proximity to the laptop increasing your vision problems. Do you remember to blink when you sit at your computer? Not doing so can cause eyestrain, which, of course, worsens your vision. If you don't remember to blink, try using eyedrops.

For a definitive answer, consult your optometrist and explain the issues.

Answer 3

Adam has it right! Before lap tops were invented, people developed nearsightedness and it was blamed on sitting too close to the TV, before TV was invented it was blamed on reading books/school work, I don't know what they blamed it in before books were invented (maybe too much drawing on cave walls or evil spirits or something).

The thing is, primarily for genetic reasons, some people become nearsighted, it happens whether or not you use the computer, watch TV, play video games, wear your glasses or don't wear your glasses. And, as he said, your vision will usually stabilize when you stop growing, typically about 20 or so.

Answer 4

Common myth. Its been thoroughly proven that such activities will not and cannot worsen your vision. Same with not wearing your glasses or sitting too close to the tv.

You will get eye strain and possibley headaches or temorarily have double vision, but your eyes wll not weaken from computer activities.

As to whats causing worse and worse vision... most likely genetics. You just have weak eyes. Generally vision plateau's at some point and will not progress much past there. If your vision decrease does not slow down then their might be a patholocial issue and your OD or MD would be the one to ask questions to.