A new study has revealed a link between increase in screen time with high risk and severity of myopia, or short-sightedness in children and young adults.

Myopia is a condition in which distant objects appears blurry. High levels of smart device screen time, such as looking at a mobile phone, is associated with around a 30 per cent higher risk of myopia and, when combined with excessive computer use, that risk rose to around 80 per cent.

High amount of myopia increases risk of major ocular disorders as retinal tearing and glaucoma.

Around half the global population is expected to have myopia by 2050, so it is a health concern that is escalating quickly. People should review their relationship with electronic devices.