Ophthalmology departments at hospitals in Changchun, capital of Northeast China’s Jilin province, have treated an increasing number of adolescent patients following the Spring Festival holiday, with 90 percent of admissions related to myopia problems.

Zhang Yinshuang, a senior optometrist at Changchun Yinuo eye hospital, said that after the holiday, the hospital saw around 100 outpatients each day at weekends, 20 more than usual.

Mobile phones are responsible for the sudden increase in admissions, according to Zhang, with children spending too long looking at their phones.

If children often squint, blink, or rub their eyes, they may get myopia, and parents should take them to hospital for regular checks, added Zhang.

He also advised parents to limit screen time and to try and ensure their children take part in some outdoor activities each week.

Parents and teenagers are pictured at an eye hospital in Changchun, Jilin province, Feb 20. [Photo/chinadaily.com.cn]