UK Keratoconus Self-Help and Support Association

I have KC and am experiencing difficulty with any new technology/LED screens. I am unable to use current day computers ie, Windows 2003 is no problem but I am unable to use Windows 2008 (which my work has upgraded to). So far no IT adaptations have helped and I am now working off-line pending a solution as I cannot use the computer. Has anyone experienced this? Any suggestions/solutions would be very welcome.

As technology advances, where does it leave KC persons?! Same goes with the latest TV screens, old TV's - no problem, new ones - cannot watch!

Thank you.
Nikky

Hello Nikki

WElcome to the forum.

I have to confess to being puzzled: you say that it is the screen that creates the problem, but the case of the computer seems to be the operating system.

What is the problem with using a modern screen? I hve to say that I find the more stable image on my LED screen a great advantage over the flicker of my former CRT,

Andrew

Do you mean Windows Vista vs Windows 7?

I'm sorry, I really don't know what problem your having, as you have not described your problem.

I have KC and can use all old and new monitors/tellies.

Is it related to visual acuity, halos, ghosting, blurriness?

A few years ago the company I was then at changed from CRT screens to LCD ones and I got headaches every day. Went back to the CRT and it stopped. A few years later and the CRT screens had improved enough not to cause the problem any more.

You mention Windows 2003 - I do not believe there is any such thing but there is a "microsoft office 2003" which was upgraded to Microsoft Office 2007 then again to 2010. The only 2008 I can think of is the server operating sustem that Microsoft brought out around that year.

But back to Office 2003 and 2007 (which I believe is what you mean) the screens on the 2007 and 2010 versions do appear to be brighter to me and perhaps this is what you mean. They also have different icons along the top of the screens which are not nearly as clear as the old ones.

If this is the case you could ask if they will reinstall your Office 2003 with a compatibility pack which will allow you to open and use files the rest of your company uses and save them in the same formats.

But eventually you will need to upgrade (downgrade some say) to the later versions

Ian

Yes, it is indeed MS Office, anything further than 2003 gives me blurriness and eye ache. It's not just the software but also the new screens, which seem much more brighter, whether it is throwing out more light or due to being a higher resolution/frequency, I don't know.

Since its also the new flat screen TV's, seems to me it could be related to too much brightness.
Its also the same with mobile phones, the newer screens, are too sharp.

The solutions I've tried are many but some being: setting the colour contrast on the screens, changing font sizes, anti glare screen, replication of 2003 image onto the MS Office 2010, dark background on the screen; nothing has worked for the eyes.

The old CRT TV and monitors are fine, but since the workplace is moving to 2010, its a security risk if they have 2003, plus 2003 is being phased out, apparently, Microsoft will no longer provide support for it shortly!

Keep any more suggestions coming:)
I thank you all!
Nikky

Hi Nikky,

I know exactly how you feel, I work in IT and trying to look at codes and configuring customer equipment is a challenge.

I found adjusting ClearType which enhances the font, made a bit of a difference for me. Here is a link which describes how to adjust ClearType to improve the font.

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/306527

Info on how ClearType works:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ClearType#How_ClearType_works

Also if you haven't checked this out already, you can purchase screen magnifiers for LCD and CRT screens, here's an example of a screen magnifier for LCD screens.

http://www.posturite.co.uk/monitor-cpu-solutions/screen-filters/lcd-screen-magnifier.html

Hope this helps.

Cheers.
Mas

Thanks Mas, I will definitely look into these links.

LCD monitors have a menu function that allows you to customise the colour ratios and brightness. Far more ways to customise than a CRT monitor, also ensure that you have an up to date Display Screen Equipment assessmnet which is a legal requirement if you use a pc for something like more than 50% of your working time.