Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly prevalent among children, with screen time being a potential contributing factor. Discover how to manage screen time to support your child's eye health.
This section examines the scientific basis of myopia and reviews research findings related to screen exposure.
Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea curves too much, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly upon it. Environmental factors, such as prolonged near-work activities, reduced time outdoors, and digital screen usage, have been identified as potential contributors. Here’s the thing: while it’s intuitive to think that more screen time might automatically mean a higher risk for myopia, the evidence is more nuanced than that.
Several large-scale reviews and meta-analyses have examined the connection between digital screen time and myopia. Some studies have found statistically significant associations, whereas others have not. For instance, one systematic review found that when data from five studies were combined, the overall odds ratio was very close to 1.0, suggesting no strong connection between screen time and myopia. However, newer research indicates that there might be a trend: increased hours on digital devices can be linked to a higher risk of myopia in children.
Recent investigations have compared the risk of myopia in children with high and low screen time exposure. When researchers looked at categorical data (comparing groups with high versus low exposure), they reported an odds ratio that signified a greater likelihood of myopia for children with extended screen time. When analyzing studies over different time periods and geographic regions, several trends emerged:
It appears that the type of screen plays a part—computer screens might generate more myopic signals than smartphones, perhaps because of differences in viewing distances and display sizes. In addition, controlled studies have noted that even a one-hour increase per day of screen exposure can have measurable effects on the progression of myopia in certain groups of children.
Lanca & Saw (2020) – Systematic Review
Citation: Lanca, C., & Saw, S. M. (2020). The association between digital screen time and myopia: A systematic review. Ophthalmic Physiol Opt, 40(2), 216–229. doi: 10.1111/opo.12657
Link to study: https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/opo.12657
Zong et al. (2024) – Meta-Analysis on Screen Time and Myopia
Citation: Zong, Z., Zhang, Y., Qiao, J., Tian, Y., & Xu, S. (2024). The association between screen time exposure and myopia in children and adolescents: A meta-analysis. BMC Public Health, 24, Article 1625.
Link to Study: https://bmcpublichealth.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12889-024-19113-5
One of the more encouraging aspects of these findings is that screen time is a potentially modifiable risk factor. According to research, reducing digital exposure could be one part of a broader strategy to manage myopia progression. While the evidence does not conclusively show a direct causal relationship in every study, several analyses point to a significant association when screen time is high. This means that by moderating screen time, especially computer use, there might be an opportunity to reduce the risk of myopia in children.
Our eye doctors recommend that parents monitor not only the quantity of screen exposure but also the quality of near-work and the opportunity for breaks. They highlight that this is especially important at younger ages, when reducing screen time is more realistic and progression occurs more rapidly. In essence, every extra hour spent looking at digital screens is a factor worth considering if your child is already prone to nearsightedness.
This section explores how environmental conditions and lifestyle changes influence myopia progression.
One key aspect highlighted by many studies is the replacement of outdoor activities with screen time. When children spend more time indoors, they often miss out on the beneficial effects of natural daylight. There’s a strong body of research suggesting that exposure to natural light plays a critical role in healthy eye development and can help slow myopia progression. The underlying mechanism here seems to be that bright outdoor light stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which in turn may inhibit the excessive growth of the eyeball.
This provides an important perspective on the screen time debate. It might not be the digital screens themselves that cause myopia, but rather that increased screen time generally means less time outdoors. Many studies have found that kids who spend more time playing outside tend to show a delayed onset of myopia, emphasizing that regular outdoor activities are a key component of maintaining proper eye health.
The recent COVID-19 pandemic has dramatically altered daily routines for many families, often with children spending significantly more time indoors. During periods of home confinement, children relied heavily on screens for virtual learning, entertainment, and social interaction. One notable study observed that during the lockdown, the prevalence of myopia in children aged 6 to 8 increased substantially—by as much as 1.4 to 3 times the numbers seen in previous years.
This surge in early-onset myopia during the pandemic underscored the importance of considering environmental factors such as screen time. It also served as a timely reminder for parents about the need to balance digital engagement with outdoor play. As many households have adapted their lifestyles post-pandemic, our eye doctors continue to emphasize the importance of integrating periods of outdoor activity into daily routines.
Not all screens are created equal when it comes to their potential impact on eye health. Research has delved into the associations between various types of devices and myopia. Here’s what has been observed:
This differentiation suggests that recommendations may need to be tailored according to the type of screen. For example, managing computer use might require stricter limits or more frequent breaks compared to other digital activities.
It is important to note that the mixed evidence across studies partly stems from differences in research design. Many studies rely on parental reports to estimate screen time, which can be subject to recall bias. Some research uses self-reported measures for both screen time and myopia, while other studies have employed clinical refraction testing after cycloplegia to confirm myopia diagnoses. These methodological differences can lead to variations in outcomes and help explain why some studies find associations and others do not.
Beyond the measurement methods, the geographical and cultural context also plays a significant role. For example, myopia rates in East Asia and South Asia appear to be more strongly linked to screen time possibly due to higher baseline rates of myopia and more intense educational pressures. Conversely, studies in regions such as Europe and America have not always shown as clear a pattern, which suggests that environmental, genetic, and lifestyle factors are all intertwined in the development of myopia.
When we talk about myopia and screen time, it is helpful to consider the concept of “near work” – activities that involve focusing on objects close to the eyes. Screen time is only one aspect of near work. Reading printed books, studying, doing homework, and even some hobbies involve sustained near focus. Research indicates that it’s not just digital screen time alone but rather the cumulative effect of several near-work activities that may contribute to myopia progression.
Find a top optometrist near you to discuss screen time management and myopia prevention strategies.
With all this information in mind, what can parents do if they are concerned about the link between screen time and myopia? Here are some practical steps our eye doctors suggest for fostering a healthy visual environment for your child:
These small changes can make a significant difference. While it is not always realistic to eliminate screen use completely, especially in an age of digital learning, a conscious effort to balance indoor screen-based activities with outdoor play and regular breaks may help mitigate some of the potential risks associated with prolonged digital exposure.
So, does screen time cause myopia in kids? The answer is not a simple yes or no. There is evidence to suggest that high screen time, particularly from devices such as computers and televisions, is associated with an increased likelihood of developing myopia. However, the relationship is complex and seems influenced by several factors – including the balance between indoor and outdoor time, overall near-work exposure, and even the type of screen used.
Here are some essential points to keep in mind:
These points highlight that while screen time alone might not be the sole cause of myopia, it is a marker of lifestyle changes that can elevate risk if not properly balanced.
Our eye doctors are committed to providing personalized consultations and guidance. Ultimately, the key is balance. As digital devices become an essential part of education and communication, it is more important than ever to create healthy routines that incorporate proper screen habits and ample outdoor time. When combined with a myopia management program, you can protect your child's vision from getting worse today, and protect them from vision threatening conditions later in life.
Find a top optometrist near you to discuss screen time management and myopia prevention strategies.
Research shows a link between myopia and screen time in children. Learn how to protect your child's eye health today.
