Technology to Blame for Increasing Nearsightedness

Trend is particularly dramatic in children.

Evidence appears to be mounting that focusing on electronics — computers, tablets, cell phones — at close range is contributing to nearsightedness in children at early ages. “It’s a sign of the times, says Chicago optometrist Robert Steinmetz. “Recently we’re seeing more and more children come in with nearsightedness in first and second and third grade.” he says. The National Eye Institute found a 66 percent increase in nearsightedness for all ages, since the early 1970s, the era when electronics started coming into homes.

Read more and see video at CBS News