The Link Between Digital Devices and Myopia

In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere—from school tablets to smartphones and gaming consoles. While technology has revolutionized learning and entertainment, it’s also having an unintended consequence: an alarming rise in myopia (nearsightedness) among children and young adults. A recent study published in the American Medical Association (AMA) Journal highlights a concerning trend:

For every one hour of near screen time per day, the odds of developing myopia increase by 21%.
Children who spend four or more hours per day on screens double their risk of myopia.

Why Is Screen Time Increasing Myopia Rates?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This leads to blurred distance vision. While genetics play a role, environmental factors—especially excessive near work like reading and screen use—are significantly contributing to the rapid increase in myopia cases worldwide.

When children and teens spend prolonged periods focusing on screens at close distances, their eyes adapt to near vision, making it harder to focus on distant objects over time. Additionally, less time spent outdoors in natural light further exacerbates the issue, as sunlight exposure is known to help slow myopia progression.

What Parents Can Do to Reduce the Risk

While completely avoiding screen time isn’t realistic, there are ways to help protect your child’s vision:

Follow the 20-20-20 Rule – Every 20 minutes, encourage your child to take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.
Increase Outdoor Time – Studies show that spending at least 90 minutes per day outdoors can significantly lower the risk of myopia progression.
Limit Recreational Screen Time – Aim for no more than two hours per day of non-essential screen use.
Ensure Proper Lighting – Avoid using screens in dim lighting, which can cause eye strain.
Schedule Regular Eye Exams – Early detection is key. Annual eye exams help catch vision changes before they become a bigger issue.

Protect Your Family’s Vision

If you’re concerned about your child’s screen habits and eye health, schedule an eye exam with Reed Family Vision today. Our team can assess their vision and provide personalized recommendations to keep their eyes healthy in the digital age.

For more details on the latest research, you can view the full AMA Journal study