[A new method for evaluating the degree of eyestrain: a comparison between color and monochrome liquid crystal display monitors].

Color and monochromatic liquid crystal displays (LCDs) were compared in terms of eyestrain by using a new method that uses Landolt rings for a visual perceptional test. In this method, the difference of the nearest distances to distinguish Landolt rings between before and after the usage of LCD monitors was used as the index of eyestrain. When the nearest distance for distinguishing Landolt rings increased, the eyestrain was considered to be severe. A total of 11 observers (2 physicians and 9 radiological technologists) participated to this observer study. In the observer study, the TG18-QC pattern, a standard clinical image of 400 images, and JESRA X-0093 were observed using color and monochromatic LCD monitors for approximately 30 minutes. In addition to the observer study, the noise power spectrum (NPS) of the color and the monochromatic monitors were measured using the NS2002 method. The ratio of the nearest distance after 30 minutes of reading and that of before reading was larger when the color LCD monitor was used than when the monochromatic LCD monitor was used (p<0.05), and thus, the monochromatic LCD monitor was considered to be superior to the color LCD monitor in terms of the degree of eyestrain during image readings. In conclusion, comparing the nearest point for distinguishing Landolt rings measured before and after readings can be used to evaluate eyestrain in diagnostic radiology.