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Dr. Lloyd's blog has now been retired. We appreciate all the wisdom and support Dr. Lloyd has brought to the WebMD community throughout the years. Continue to get the latest information about vision by visiting the Eye Health Center. Talk with others about vision on the Eye & Vision Health: Member Discussion message board.

Friday, December 02, 2005

Flat Screen TV: Size Matters
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'Should I go with the 42" or 50" flat screen TV?'

Here's an outburst of the obvious: Larger images are easier to see. That statement is true up to a point. The sharpest visual resolution within the eye occurs in the macula, a circular region 1.5cm in diameter - roughly the end of a new pencil eraser. Objects that fit within the macula are seen much more clearly than images that occupy a larger retinal image and land outside the macula.

Let's try it another way: The size of the retinal image, and your ability to see it, relates directly to the distance between your eye and the visual target.

This explains why most folks hate to sit in the front row at the movie theater. Aside from the outrageous volume, they cannot clearly see the entire screen!

Before investing your money towards a slick new flat screen TV get out the yardstick and measure the distance between your sofa and where you plan to mount your new television. Use that same measurement in the dealer's showroom to determine which size screen will offer the best viewing experience for you.


Related Links: Aging Eyes, Youthful Vision, Quality vs. Quantity: Television Guidelines for Kids

Posted by: Dr. Lloyd at 1:00 PM

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