Are Digital devices making children near-sighted?

A recent study conducted by the USC Eye Institute at Keck Medicine confirms that cases of childhood myopia (near-sightedness) among American children has more than doubled over the last 50 years. This was the largest study of childhood eye diseases ever done in the United States. The research team collected more than 5,000 eye measurements for each child during free detailed eye exams conducted at USC Eye Institute clinics. Children aged 6 months to 6 years were included with more than 9,000 children taking part. While the researchers acknowledge that genetics do play a role in myopia, they point the finger of blame for the dramatic increase to the use of mobile devices and screens on a daily basis and a decrease in adequate amounts of exposure to sunlight. Additional research will be required in order to assess how these environmental factors play a role in the development of eye disease.*