Children spending too long on computers risk shortsightedness

CHILDREN should spend at least two hours playing outside and spend less time on tablets and mobile to prevent an epidemic of shortsightedness, according to research.

Scots of all ages are missing out on sleep. Picture: Getty Images

About a billion people are at risk of blindness by 2050 because the use of electronic devices is fuelling a vision loss “timebomb”.

One in two of the global population will be myopic – short sighted – by the middle of the century, equating to around five billion, with a fifth having it in its worst form, which can cause loss of sight.

A lifestyle largely spent indoors staring at computer screens has been blamed for the soaring numbers, with “near work” a major cause of eye problems.

Fresh air is now seen as crucial to preserving our eyes and behaviour has to change, alongside better optical treatments. One in three people in Britain, alone, is now short sighted.

Professor Kovin Naidoo, chief executive of the Brien Holden Vision Institute at the University of New South Wales also praised shades wearing rock legend Bono, who suffers from glaucoma which makes the eyes sensitive to light, for teaming up with eyewear brand Revo to help prevent vision impairment and blindness in more than five million people by 2020, saying he “applauded his efforts”.