Extensive screen time could see half the world needing glasses in 30 years

A new study has found extensive screen time leads to a higher risk in short-sightedness.

Research published in The Lancet Digital Health journal found that excessive time spent looking at a phone or tablet is linked to a 30 per cent higher risk.

However, when this is paired with excessive use of a computer, the risk surges to roughly 80 per cent.

The authors say by 2050, five billion people, approximately half the world, could be short-sighted.

Usage repercussions may have been exacerbated during the pandemic after many people, particularly children, were forced to live their lives online.

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