Without doubt, more of us are spending longer on screens in our increasingly digital world. GPs are likely to encounter parents asking about the effects on their children’s visual and brain development.

‘Screen time’ includes any time looking at a screen, including television, computers, smartphones, tablets and video consoles.

As ophthalmologists, we are seeing an increase in device-related dry eye, and a new syndrome called ‘digital eye strain’, which tends to predominantly affect adults.

In children and adolescents, there is an increase in myopia, or short sightedness, directly related to increased hours performing near tasks.