TV may cause myopia epidemic

AN epidemic of short-sightedness could soon result from children spending too much time glued to TVs and computers.

The trend can already be seen in Japan and Singapore, which both have soaring rates of myopia, say scientists.

The Australian researchers reject the conventional view that short-sightedness is a genetic problem in the East.

After reviewing more than 40 studies, they concluded that lifestyle, not inherited genes, was chiefly responsible.

They warn that similar levels of myopia could soon be seen in the West. Ian Morgan, from the Australian National University in Canberra, said: “As kids spend more time indoors, on computers or watching telly, we are going to become just as myopic.”

Short-sightedness is on the increase in most places, but in regions such as Singapore it has reached extraordinary levels.

Some 80% of 18-year-old male army recruits in Singapore are myopic, compared with 25% just 30 years ago.

The problem is so bad that employers such as the police are struggling to find people who meet their requirements.

Experts have always assumed that genetic variations in people from eastern Asia make them more susceptible to myopia.

But the Australian scientists say they have evidence challenging this idea.