MANDEVILLE, Manchester — The use of electronic devices in the dark is being highlighted by a leading ophthalmologist as a factor for a sharp increase in near-sightedness among children.

“I have been seeing youngsters from five up to 15 [years old], but significantly more than the previous years. There is no doubt about it,” consultant ophthalmologist at the Mandeville Regional Hospital Dr Gavin Henry told journalists on Monday.

“I have noticed in my practice that a lot of the youngsters coming in now are significantly near-sighted. I have seen far more than I have seen in the previous five years and I honestly believe it is all this near-close work, which has been instigating it and there have been studies that have shown that prolonged activities such as that can eventually induce near-sightedness,” he said following the closing ceremony for a cataract camp mission at the Mandeville Regional Hospital.

Dr Henry, who was responding to questions posed by reporters regarding near-sightedness, said children should be limited in the use of electronic devices and ensure that the gadgets are used in well-lit spaces.

“I usually advise the parents and the guardians to limit the time that they spend on these devices. I commonly tell them that after about 20 minutes to take a break, it is the prolonged constant near-vision activity, which is detrimental,” he said.

“I also advise them that whenever they are watching television or going on devices, the room should be well lit as well, so they shouldn’t be looking at their devices in the dark,” he added.

State minister in the Ministry of Health and Wellness Juliet Cuthbert-Flynn is urging parents to be mindful of how children’s use of devices can affect their vision

“The majority of people with vision impairment and blindness are over the age of 50 years old. However, vision loss can affect people of all ages…I am really happy that we are going into the schools to make sure, because I am telling you [that] since COVID-19 and this device thing with these children, I think we are probably going to see more visual impairment from our children as they get a little bit older and so parents need to watch that,” she said.