Future iPhones might be able to tell you that you need glasses

In the future, an iPhone could alert you if you’re at risk of developing shortsightedness.

Apple has recently issued a patent that suggests an iPhone could be used to detect myopia.

A patent reveals that Apple’s device could monitor the distance between the smartphone and its user to indicate whether they need to check their eyesight and perhaps get a prescription for eyeglasses.

The new feature could also be used to do tests, after which the smartphone would automatically adjust the font size and other display settings to ease the strain on the user’s eyes.

Global statistics reveal that, on average, people spend almost seven hours per day on screens. This trend doesn’t reciprocate well with healthy eyesight.

One of the main concerns is that some users tend to hold their devices too close, straining their eyes or even developing shortsightedness and other eye health-related conditions.

The patent suggests that Apple devices could use one or a few sensors, such as a camera, to gather image data to detect the distance between the user and their device.

Such information could then be used to compare with the data showing at what point a person can develop myopia (also known as nearsightedness).

If a device detects a person at risk of developing an eye condition, it can alert the user by sending recommendations on their eye health.

The document also notes how the feature could utilize measures to prevent users from looking at their devices too closely.

It could gradually enlarge text until the distance between a device and the user is within the proper range. Or it could start to vibrate, alerting the user to move away from the device.

According to the gathered data, the feature could also include notifications that inform users when they need a new prescription.

While this could be a step further in monitoring users' eye health, as with many patents, it’s not certain that the company will implement the feature in the future.