I have a mid-2011 MB Air, and whenever I use it for too long, I get some of the absolute worst migraines. I used to have a late 2008 MB (aluminum, not Pro) and I never had this problem. If I did, it wasn't that often. I can use other computers just fine, but my laptop is just torture sometimes. (My iPad and phone are fine, too.) Does anyone else get this? Is there something special about the screen that doesn't apply to others? I've turned brightness down, so it's not that.
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Does anyone else get migraines?
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Am no expert but I don't think high brightness is ALWAYS bad. To me it depends on the ambient, so that's what I adjust accordingly. Aside from that I use pinch zoom plenty on my 11", it's smooth so I used it often. I view my spreadsheets at a least 125%, YMMV.
Aside that, I would try different things to change my environment if that has any effect.
Aside that, I would try different things to change my environment if that has any effect.
This may or may not solve your problem but perhaps you should take frequent rest periods after 20-30 minutes use of staring at the screen. For example, look outside your window at a far away object. My parents always told me to do that
It sounds to me like eyestrain, not a migraine; they both bring headache pain, but the remedies are way different, and you probably can't get a migraine from looking at a monitor.
The larger your screen is, the more light you are looking into, and allowing into your eyes; instead of turning the screen brightness down from full, try turning your brightness all the way down, and then increasing it until it looks good, and give your eyes time to adjust.
The larger your screen is, the more light you are looking into, and allowing into your eyes; instead of turning the screen brightness down from full, try turning your brightness all the way down, and then increasing it until it looks good, and give your eyes time to adjust.
I think it's due to the high resolution! I cannot use my MBA 2012 without my glasses(my sight is almost perfect)
Good luck and please let us know as soon as you find out
OP, I am a doctor (Psychiatrist) and though I am not a neurologist I can say that looking at a screen does not trigger "Migraine" headaches. Migraine headaches are usually passed on by genetics AND migraine headaches really have no reason for starting, it has eluded us for years as to why Migraines start in the first place. Now, with that said, you CAN get a normal headache from being in front of a screen for long periods of time. So unless you are confusing a normal, but intense headache for a Migraine...it is not caused by the screen as evident by you saying other screens don't bother you. If another laptop screen doesn't bother you than it isn't the cause as your brain wouldn't know the difference of the computer you are looking at.
You my friend need to go see a Neurologist, NOT your primary care doctor. A Neurologist can determine what could be causing your migraines AND get you on the right medications versus a Primary Care who will most likely just give you some pain killers or something instead of the medicine that will really help you, and help prevent the migraines in the first place.
Feel free to respond!
You my friend need to go see a Neurologist, NOT your primary care doctor. A Neurologist can determine what could be causing your migraines AND get you on the right medications versus a Primary Care who will most likely just give you some pain killers or something instead of the medicine that will really help you, and help prevent the migraines in the first place.
Feel free to respond!
This is a shot in the dark, but I believe the '08 laptops were still using CCFL lighting, and your '11 Air uses LED. Perhaps there's something about that that is bothering you?
EDIT: Nvm, I didn't notice that you don't have this problem with the iPad and iPhone, which both are LED now I believe.
EDIT: Nvm, I didn't notice that you don't have this problem with the iPad and iPhone, which both are LED now I believe.
If it's not the brightness, then most probably your shoulders and neck are being strained and are cramping/pressing on some nerves.
1st remedy: Take regular breaks and work out for a few minutes.
2nd remedy: have a professional take a look at your working position and environment (desk, chair, relative positioning of human and computer). Also you can set up a camera (still or video) to take pictures of you working (preferably from the side) and try to (for yourself) analyze your position.
3rd thing: If you're sharing your workspace with others, you may try to (carefully) ask whether others have been suffering as well * .
RGDS,
* This third thing is based on my friend's experiences. Around 2011 their whole company switched from windows PC's to macs. Around the same time a lot of people started complaining about illnesses, migraines, headaches, shortness of breath etc. Soon everyone started blaming the new computers - someone even cited the old apple-benzene -story. It was mayhem. A specialist was called in and after chasing down some futile avenues, the office was diagnosed as mold-infested
The company moved, the macs stayed. Now everyone's happy.
I would also recommend taking breaks from the screen and walking around every 30 min. or so. Also I can vouch that using f.lux to warm temps at night helps but I've really been liking my Gunnar glasses that are designed to reduce eye strain. Check 'em out for a free 30 day trial and see if it helps.
http://www.gunnars.com
http://www.gunnars.com
I agree. I often tell myself to do so, in reality, it is impossible to walk around every 30 min. Does anyone working in cubicles walk out every 30 min? lol
I have the same problem. I get headaches from staring at screens too long. I especially notice this when I use my air over a mbp with a matte screen. After about an hour, I cannot take it anymore. The matte screen I can stare at all day with no problems.