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#1 Posted : 16 November 2004 13:38:00(UTC)
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Posted By steve e ashton
Anyone have any strong thoughts on the latest research findings, widely reported in the media today that "DSE use can cause glaucoma?" See:

http://www.itv.com/news/index_76341.html

Oh dear oh dear.
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#2 Posted : 16 November 2004 15:34:00(UTC)
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Posted By Nick Egan
Bad science reporting by TV news, as usual.
Am I concerned by a single report of this type? No, except that it scares the low-brow viewers and readers.

Yes I use DSE a lot, but my then aunty who went nearly blind with it never used one in her life!

Should we be doing anything. Well as the offspring of another Glaucoma sufferer, I make damn sure I go for regular free checkups.

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#3 Posted : 16 November 2004 16:02:00(UTC)
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Posted By David A Jones
Nick,

You claim 'bad science reporting by TV news'. How do you know it is bad science? Have you seen the report? If so where can it be accessed?

I have no particular view on this at the moment and won't just take the news report at face value, as I've seen some inflated claims in the past on a variety of issues. But without further information I am wary of siding with any particular view at this time.
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#4 Posted : 16 November 2004 17:54:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jay Joshi
I could not access the ITV website, but BBC also has the news. On reading the article, it refer to the point that "heavy computer use could be linked to glaucoma, especially among those who are short-sighted"--the operative word is "could" and this study also reccomends more research. Not only that, but it recommends 3 types of eyetests --and all these 3 are covered by the standard eyetest in UK.

It also quotes Nick Astbury, president of the Royal College of Ophthalmologists:- "that Japanese populations have a high prevalence of myopia anyway and that short-sightedness is a known risk factor for glaucoma"
I have checked on the online Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health website--it is to appear in the December Issue-Unfortunately, you require a subscrption for it!


http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4008185.stm
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#5 Posted : 16 November 2004 20:04:00(UTC)
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Posted By Jack
I see on the same page as the BBC news item there is a link to eye problems caused by tying your tie too tight!
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#6 Posted : 17 November 2004 15:01:00(UTC)
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Posted By Nick Egan
David,
The reason I refer to "bad science reporting" is without reading the report, experience shows me that news editors will only look for a headline to grab the audience short span of attention (eg cold fusion in a beaker and numerous cures for cancer!).

I'm sure the journalist will have researched the subject and produced a balanced report. But that is hardly going to entertain the average goldfish.

Remember "One swallow does not a summer make" and one paper does not a causal link make. I'm not dismissing the report completely, lets just keep an eye on it (so to speak).
Nick
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#7 Posted : 17 November 2004 15:26:00(UTC)
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Posted By steve e ashton
I agree the reporting is likely to be skewed - I also will await further developments.

EITHER we're looking at the very start of a major health & safety scare -

OR we have just witnessed the start of an urban myth. My main concern is that in three or four years time it will become an 'accepted fact' that DSE 'causes' glaucoma. The source is long forgotten - but everyone 'knows' the headlines.

How long before someone markets an 'anti glaucoma' screen? or 'anti glaucoma' glasses?

Steve
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#8 Posted : 17 November 2004 16:06:00(UTC)
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Posted By David A Jones
Nick,

I'm not saying it isn't bad science reporting just that we should look at the facts before dismissing so easily.

Remember asbestos used to be the best thing since sliced bread
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#9 Posted : 17 November 2004 16:23:00(UTC)
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Posted By Kevin Walker
The following link will give you the full published peer reviewed scientific report.

http://jech.bmjjournals..../content/full/58/12/1021

The report deals with heavy computer users, and indicates that only those who are shortsighted are possibly risk of developing this condition.

Hardly bad science, closer to sensational and poor reporting.

Kevin
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#10 Posted : 18 November 2004 05:24:00(UTC)
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Posted By Chris Maley
I agree, poor reporting. There was an article in the times on monday or tuesday regarding this subject which backed up the only affecting short sighted claim.
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#11 Posted : 18 November 2004 08:09:00(UTC)
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Posted By David J Jones
Let's hope and pray that a certain Mr J Clarkson doen't clock this one!

Mind you, it could always be turned back on his area of "expertise" - wait until some smart alec interprets sat nav displays in cars as DSE then watch him waffle!

David
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#12 Posted : 18 November 2004 09:37:00(UTC)
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Posted By David J.
Hi, I await further research, but as we employ 3500 staff with at least 2/3 using a PC it is a slight concern.. Oh David or anyone in fact.."what was the best thing before sliced bread"????
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#13 Posted : 18 November 2004 15:13:00(UTC)
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Posted By Nick Egan
David J
Best thing before sliced bread? A good sharp breadknife of course.
Nick
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#14 Posted : 19 November 2004 09:06:00(UTC)
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Posted By David J.
Hi I suppose a good sharp knife would be useful..in here... for cutting my wrists at some of the threads.. I doub't the commedy club is awaiting you!!!!!!!!!!!

cheers!!!!
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