Is Screen Time to Blame for Rising Rates of Myopia in Children?

In today’s digital world, it’s nearly impossible to escape screens. From smartphones and tablets to computers and TVs, children are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. While technology offers incredible learning opportunities, it has also raised important questions about how increased screen time may be impacting children’s vision - particularly when it comes to the growing rates of myopia (nearsightedness).
 

The Link Between Screen Time and Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing distant objects to appear blurry. Over the past few decades, cases of childhood myopia have skyrocketed. While genetics certainly play a role, lifestyle factors, especially the rise in near work such as reading, studying, and increased screen use, have become key contributors.

Prolonged screen use encourages children to focus up close for extended periods, which can strain the eyes and may contribute to the progression of myopia. Additionally, time spent indoors on screens often replaces time outdoors, where exposure to natural light is shown to help slow eye growth and reduce myopia risk.
 

Healthy Habits to Protect Kids’ Eyes

Fortunately, there are simple steps parents can take to support their children’s visual health.

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, have your child take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.

• Encourage Outdoor Play: At least 2 hours of outdoor time per day has been linked to lower rates of myopia.

• Limit Recreational Screen Time: Set reasonable limits and encourage screen-free activities such as sports, crafts, or reading physical books.

• Prioritize Regular Eye Exams: Early detection is key. Comprehensive eye exams allow optometrists to catch changes in vision before they worsen.

Building these healthy habits early helps promote not just better vision, but overall wellness and balanced daily routines.
 

How Myopia Management Can Make a Difference

Even with healthy habits, some children may still develop myopia. Fortunately, modern myopia management treatments can help slow its progression and protect long-term vision. At Professional VisionCare, our optometrists offer advanced options such as:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Special overnight lenses that reshape the cornea while your child sleeps.

• Multifocal Contact Lenses: Soft contact lenses designed to slow the progression of myopia in children while allowing clear vision for near and distant objects.

• Atropine Eye Drops: A low-dose treatment that can help control the rate of eye growth.

These treatments are designed to reduce the risks associated with high myopia, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration later in life.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

While screen time isn’t the sole cause of myopia, it does play a significant role in the increasing rates seen among children today. Balancing digital use with healthy habits and taking advantage of modern myopia management solutions can help safeguard your child’s vision for the future.

If you’ve noticed your child squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaining of blurry distance vision, schedule an eye exam at Professional VisionCare today. Call our offices in Westerville or Lewis Center at (614) 898-9989 or Johnstown at (740) 967-2936, or book an appointment online today.