This high-tech digital age could be putting more and more children at risk of health problems; Specifically, eye diseases. Most kids these days spend hours each day on the computer, on cell phones, and watching television.
A doctor in Hong Kong has conducted an online survey about vision involving nearly 2,000 primary school students. He says he found a seven percent increase of nearsighted students compared to a decade ago.
He says there could be several reasons for this trend. "One major reason is we're living in this information age. So over 90% of messages has to go through our eyes....the shorter the distance the more the burden will be on the eye," said Dr. Lam
It's eye fatigue that he believes contributes to myopia. Researchers have not found a direct link between computer games and myopia, but Dr. Lam says there are ways kids can give their eyes a break from the computer or TV: by looking into the distance every 30 minutes, reading at a distance of 40 centimeters or more, and doing more outdoor activities. He also says city living may put children at an environmental disadvantage. Researchers have found lower rates of myopia in rural areas compared to urban areas.