Computer Users More Likely to go Blind

16th December 2004

Researchers in Japan have said that heavy computer use has been linked to glaucoma, an eye disease. They have stated that short sighted users are more likely to become infected, caused by increased fluid pressure building up on the nerves at the back of the eye socket.

Although treatable, they have recommended that companies take steps to reduce computer use wherever it can be avoided. Early tests by employers found although they could not comment on their employees’ health, their productivity had significantly increased, except in one employee who had brought a pack of cards to work and had started to play solitaire.

Despite the fact that the cards were taken off him, the employee was later fired when he was found laying mines in the car park.

Employers had feared that their employees might be prone to distraction through idle chatting, however they were pleased to discover without being able to use emoticons employees were unable to convey their emotions, and without the ability to receive external email they were unable to pass on anything with even the slightest degree of wit.

Despite this, employers are still reluctant to impose the restrictions full time, as they claimed that computing was an essential tool in the modern office environment. They did, however, promise to look into adapting office equipment in a bid to make the equipment safer. Japanese researchers were critical of the lack of cooperation, insisting employers act immediately before it is too late.