Eye care experts generally agree: Watching television will not
harm your eyes or vision if the TV room is lit properly and if you follow a few
viewing tips. In fact, there is usually less strain involved in TV viewing than
in doing close work such as sewing or reading. But TV watching for long stretches
of time can leave your eyes fatigued.
What are the best conditions for TV viewing?
A normally lit room, suitable for general activities, is best. Excessively bright
lighting tends to reduce contrast on the screen and "wash out" the picture. No
lights should be placed where glare or reflections will be seen in or near the
television screen. Strongly colored lighting should not be used and surroundings
should be neutral in color.
Is it all right to watch television in a dark room? This situation
is not ideal. When the room is totally dark, the contrast between the television
screen and the surrounding area is too great for comfortable and efficient vision.
When the room is softly illuminated, undesirable high contrast is kept to a
minimum.
Is it better to adjust the television set to room lighting or room lighting
to the set? Adapt the set's brightness and contrast to room lighting --
not room lighting to the set -- after the room lights have been turned on.
Is it all right to wear sunglasses while watching television? Generally,
no. Sunglasses may shut out too much light for good vision. If worn when not
needed, they tend to make it difficult for the viewer to adapt promptly to normal
light levels. If you are bothered by brightness, consult with an eye care practitioner
about the possible need for lenses more appropriate to TV viewing.
Possible difficulties with TV viewing
Children sometimes sit close to the set. Does this hurt their eyes? While
close-up viewing is certainly not recommended, it is generally not harmful. It
is best to watch television from a distance of at least five times the width of
the picture. Picture details will appear sharper and better defined and the television
lines and defects will be less apparent. If your child persists in watching television
from a short distance, have his or her vision checked. Nearsighted (myopic) children
like to sit close to the screen.
What does it mean if the eyes water or if there is other visual discomfort
while watching television? It could indicate a problem that needs professional
attention. Some viewers, especially those over 50 years old, may find relief
with special glasses for television viewing. Discomfort could also indicate
that the drainage passages which drain tears from the eyes into the nose are
partially blocked and require examination.
What about color television for viewers with color vision deficiencies?
Color deficiency (i.e. color blindness) is generally not a barrier to enjoying
color television. However, viewers with color deficiencies may disagree with
others as to the "proper" color adjustment. A color TV picture properly adjusted
for most people may appear too green to a protanomalous (weak red) observer,
or too red to a deuteranomalous (weak green) viewer. When the set is adjusted
to "correct" its color, the resulting picture is usually unsatisfactorily tinted
for other viewers. Viewers who are severely color deficient, the so-called "red
blind" or "green blind," will see little or no difference in widely different
color mixtures, and will not be bothered by most color adjustments.
TV viewing tips:
- Make sure your television set is properly installed and the antenna properly
adjusted.
- Place the set to avoid glare and reflections from lamps, windows and other
bright sources.
- Adjust brightness and contrast controls to individual and/or viewer's taste
and comfort.
- Have the set at approximately eye level. Avoid having to look up or down
at the picture.
- Avoid staring at the screen for lengthy periods. Briefly look away from
the picture, around the room or out the window.
- Wear lenses prescribed for vision correction, if advised to do so by your
eye care practitioner.
- View from a distance at least five times the width of the television screen.
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