Topic by Bovril

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Someone l know has this problem, and although l understand about photosensitive epilepsy l do not understand the difference between TV and computer screens. Is this true? If so, why? Is there anything that can be done so they can use the computer? i.e. software that stops flashing images?

  Reply by abelincon

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Why can someone watch TV, but is not allowed on a computer because of epilepsy

Urm does not compute?

Maybe it is the distance they are sitting from the screen, and therefore the higher percentage of their visual cortex that is occupied by the screen, rather than the 'flashing images' on the screen?

Or someone is just using this as an excuse to stop your friend from having a computer / going on-line?

  Reply by Blake

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Why can someone watch TV, but is not allowed on a computer because of epilepsy

The TV screen shows pictures at the rate of 25 per second (in two parts, matching the mains 50 cps) but PCs r different, although I've never heard of people suffering with epilepsy having problems with either, although some unfortunate souls no doubt suffer from one or the other, depending on the frequency & sensitivity of the the person. For myself, I ALWAYS heed the warnings about flash photography given on TV news progs even though I do not suffer from epilepsy - but better safe than sorry !

  Reply by Cat

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Why can someone watch TV, but is not allowed on a computer because of epilepsy

What? I have had epilepsy for 11 years,am almost 6 years seizure free,and I use the computer ALL the time,I do not see what the big deal is!

  Reply by Dragon

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Why can someone watch TV, but is not allowed on a computer because of epilepsy

This is because of the screen refresh rate. It is not so much a problem now with FST and LCD screens but the older CRT screens had a slow refresh rate and the flickering image caused sufferers of epilepsy to have fits. Same as strobe lights in discos/nightclubs or theatre productions. This is why if a play uses light effects with flashing lights they must display a warning.