Long screen time increases risk of myopia by 80%

A study published in The Lancet Digital Health has found high levels of screen time exposure can increase risk of myopia by up to 80% in children and young adults.

Researchers examined over 3,000 studies and discovered high levels of mobile device use was associated with around a 30% higher risk of myopia, which rose to 80% when combined with excessive computer use.

Rupert Bourne, professor of ophthalmology at Anglia Ruskin University, said: ‘This research comes at a time when our children have been spending more time than ever looking at screens for long periods, due to school closures.

‘It is clear that urgent research is needed to further understand how exposure to digital devices can affect our eyes and vision.