Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Feeling dizzy when looking at display

Hi there, I am now on my third Mac. This is the first one with a LED display (Macbook Pro with matte display) I noticed that I feel dizzy after working with my Mac (every time now for a month). I did not think much about it until I read in a national paper that all LED lights were exchanged in a government building. All people working there were feeling dizzy and complained about headaches.

Is there anybody who has the same "issues"? Comments will be highly appreciated.

Henk

PowerMac G4 "Mirrored Doors"; MacBook Pro 15, Mac OS X (10.6.2), DP 867; 2,66Ghz and dual graphics card; 7200 rpm

Posted on Nov 28, 2009 7:28 AM

Reply
13 replies

Dec 12, 2009 4:10 PM in response to Peter Knapp

Thanks for your tips. On the MacBook I already have the brightness turned down, up to the point where I have to strain my eyes to read. Then I turn it back up a little. As mentioned I never have problems watching at LCD's.

I got a reply from Apple to calibrate my display, that helped a lot already. If it is not satisfactory, they siggested to go to an Apple dealer and work for a while on a demo MacBook there. In that way I can discern if the problem is with my display, or I just can't stand LED. (I take it that this is what GKphone means with electrosensitivity) How did you find out, by the way?

My neighbour, a software programmer at IBM, told me that they had simular experiences if the the image on the display moves about in a way that you can't conscientiously notice it.

We'll see what happens next.

Thanks. Henk

Dec 13, 2009 5:38 AM in response to bluebirdnl

Dear Henk

As the other post mentioned The older bulbs most likely were replaced by LED as the old low energy bulbs flicker. Causing headaches, Dizziness, skin irritations. http://www.spectrumalliance.org.uk/index.php?id=1 LED screens are safe....its not this you need to think about. Google ES

Before concluding that its the screen. Are your wireless settings on? If so turn it off as a test in the office.

Dec 13, 2009 10:54 AM in response to bluebirdnl

As eww points out, Apple have only ever used LCD displays in their notebook computers. The recent difference is that Apple have changed to backlighting the LCD screen using LEDs. Formerly, florescent lamps were used, sometimes referred to as CCFLs (cold cathode florescent lamp).

Both CCFLs and LEDs, as used in LCD backlighting, are strobed as a means of dimming control. But with the differences in operating characteristics, the strobing is more pronounced with LEDs when compared with CCFLs, and that seems to have pushed a small percentage of the user population over the tipping point with respect to experiencing some form of discomfort using the notebook screen.

bluebirdnl, one thing you might try is running the screen at full brightness using the built-in brightness controls and then controlling dimming using a program like Shades as was referenced by another poster in this thread. That would eliminate the strobing effect, and you could see if that is the source of your sensitivity or not.

http://www.charcoaldesign.co.uk/shades

Dec 13, 2009 12:00 PM in response to BSteely

Again, many thanks for all your hints. At least I have a few tricks I can try. See if it works. The advice from BSteely is in accordance with Apple's advice. First try to use the built-in auto dim feature, if that is not satisfactory try to use third party software.
I'll probably end up here, since it seems that I'm one of the few who goes over "the tipping point".
Thanks again for your help.

Dec 13, 2009 1:54 PM in response to bluebirdnl

...Apple's advice. First try to use the built-in auto dim feature, if that is not satisfactory try to use third party software.


bluebirdnl, that is slightly different from what I am recommending but different in an important way. I am saying to avoid using the built-in dimming control at all. Leave it set all the way up. That is the only way to get rid of the strobing of the backlight. Then do whatever dimming you require with Shades.

Jan 1, 2010 2:23 AM in response to BSteely

Hi MacPeople,

First of all happy New Year! After installing shades,calibrating my screen and working with it for a while, the problems still exist. I don't get dizzy anymore, however the headache and the strain on my eyeballs are ever so present. According to Apple I have to take my MacBook to an authorized service point to have it checked. If anything shows up after this, I will share it with you.

Bluebird

Feb 26, 2010 8:38 AM in response to bluebirdnl

You should get a Guasse meter to measure the Gauss level the computer is emitting!!! Anything over three Gausse can & most likely will effect the cells in your body which can cause the dizzyness or spinning, Nausea or light head feeling! If you are holding the computer on your lap that is also not good because the hardrives, processors etc emit usually enough to cause discomfort & sickness in some individuals!!! The UK is much stricter with electronic device regulations much more so than the USA! This EMF sensitivity is a real problem and having knowledge may help prevent the problem or reduce symptoms I know for a fact taking Wheat grass & large doasages of chloraphyl and sea vegatables ruduce & seem to treat symtoms very radically...

Hope this helps but distance from electronic devices is your friend. Emissions have a drop off point with distance that no longer will effect the body!

Hope this helps.

Feeling dizzy when looking at display

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.