Simon Jones: Children left to their own devices

It’s often said that the ageing population will keep the profession busy in future, but that school of thought is looking rather one
dimensional.

Data from Scrivens Opticians showing that the number of 13 to 16-year-olds needing glasses has doubled in the past seven years (see 7 Days), with blame being placed at the door of excessive screen time, is concerning, but it isn’t surprising.

The rate at which myopia among children is diagnosed has doubled in a single generation and the World Health Organisation estimates there will be 60m short-sighted children under the age of 17 by 2050.

Warnings of a myopia crisis have loomed for some time, but the messages don’t seem to be sinking in with the public. Smartphone proficient toddlers are common and teenagers seem to be evolving with heightened physiological and mental dexterity that allows them to simultaneously type, speak, snap and ride a BMX.