How Can Screen Time Contribute to Myopia in Children?

In today’s modern age, children are exposed to screens more than ever before. From online learning to video games and social media, screen time is a routine part of daily life. However, increased exposure to digital devices has been linked to the rise in childhood myopia, or nearsightedness. As parents and caregivers, understanding this connection and taking proactive steps is essential for protecting your child’s long-term vision.

What is Myopia?

Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is a vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia often develops in childhood and can progress as the eyes grow.
 

Understanding the Link Between Screen Time and Myopia

Studies show that prolonged near work, such as reading or staring at screens, can accelerate the development of myopia in children. When kids spend hours focused on tablets, smartphones, or computers without breaks or outdoor time, their eyes miss out on the chance to relax and refocus.
 

Natural light exposure plays a significant role in healthy eye development. Children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia. Conversely, extended indoor screen use reduces this protective exposure, potentially contributing to earlier onset and faster progression of nearsightedness.
 

Healthy Screen Time Habits to Protect Young Eyes

While screen time is often unavoidable, setting boundaries can help support your child’s eye health. Here are some healthy habits to implement:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Limit recreational screen time to one to two hours per day, especially on school days.

• Encourage outdoor play for at least one to two hours daily.

• Position screens correctly at eye level and at least 18 to 24 inches from the face.

• Ensure proper lighting to reduce eye strain when using devices.
   

What Is Myopia Management and Why Is It Important?

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, it is crucial to manage its progression early. Myopia management refers to treatment strategies that slow the worsening of nearsightedness, helping reduce the risk of serious eye conditions later in life such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, or macular degeneration.
 

Low-dose atropine drops have been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia in children. These drops are typically used once daily at bedtime and work by relaxing the eye’s focusing mechanism.
 

MiSight 1 day Contact Lenses are FDA-approved daily disposable lenses designed specifically for myopia control in children. They not only correct vision but also help slow myopia progression by altering how light focuses on the retina.
 

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses are custom-designed rigid lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea. They provide clear vision during the day without glasses or contacts and have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Myopia Evaluation at Texas State Optical

The sooner myopia is identified and managed, the more effectively its progression can be controlled. Combined with healthy screen time habits, myopia management options can make a significant difference in protecting your child’s vision for the future. We offer personalized myopia management plans tailored to your child’s needs. Whether your child is showing early signs of nearsightedness or has already been diagnosed, our experienced team is here to help. 
 

Contact Texas State Optical to schedule a pediatric eye exam and learn more about the best myopia management options to safeguard your child’s sight. Contact our office in Spring, Texas, by calling (346) 443-6500 to book an appointment today.