Can't look at laptop screen without getting migraines - any ideas?

Question

Hi all,
I used my last 15 inch macbook pro bought around 2007 for many hours every day without any problems before it recently gave up the ghost. I then purchased the latest 13 inch macbook pro model a couple of weeks ago.
However, it seems I can't look at my new laptop screen for more than about 10 minutes without my eyes feeling a bit odd and blurry and me ultimately getting a migraine and feeling sick, and having to lie down if I spend any longer than say half an hour at the computer. The obvious thing would be that the brightness is too high or low but i get the same result with differing brightness, and i've also tried increasing the zoom so text size is not too small, as obviously this is a smaller laptop than before.and it doesnt seem anywhere as bad with other laptop screens.
I've been to the doctors who don't seem to think there's anything medically wrong with me, has anyone else had similar problems with these macbook screens? did apple use a different technology on the screens recently that affected people?
Many thanks for any advice!!

Answer 1

A small minority of users suffer from severe eyestrain, headaches, and other adverse effects when using MBP screens. Theories vary widely about what is to blame: the LED backlighting (though all MBP screens have been backlit with LEDs since the first MBP models); the glossy screens in many models, including all 13" models; the brightness or dimness setting at which the screens are used, the small size of the type on high-resolution models, etc., etc. Most users have no problem with any of these things and are happy using their MBPs, but for some the screen is really a problem, and no one workaround or remedy seems to work for all of those who are uncomfortably affected.
There is an interminable thread here on this subject (or subjects, since it's possible that more than one thing is at work). You may want to read some of the posts in it for ideas about things to try:
https://discussions.apple.com/thread/1677617?start=0&tstart=0
Be aware that like most very long threads in these forums, this one contains some misinformation, many unsupported opinions and untested theories, some good information and reasonable test data, lots of ideas, a certain amount of useless complaining, a few flames, and lots of "I have the same problem!" posts that don't make it clear exactlly what problem they're taking about. You'll have to use your own good judgment about what to take from it.