Excessive screen time causing nearsightedness in Swedish children — mediaSTOCKHOLM — Swedish doctors have warned that excessive screen time is causing a surge in myopia (nearsightedness) among children, with levels having increased by 400 percent since the mid-1940s, according to local media on Monday. (Photo courtesy of nomagicwand.com)The human eye is not made for watching the small screens of smartphones and tablets, doctors told Swedish media. Seventy years ago, between 8 and 9 percent of Swedish children were nearsighted. The fact that children are spending more time in front of screens is believed to be one reason behind the dramatic increase is nearsightedness. The muscles gradually adjust to watching screens at a short distance and the eye is negatively affected in the long run.

Source: Manila Bulletin September 27, 2016 06:33 UTC