Can Too Much Screen Time Cause Myopia?

In today’s digital age, screens have become essential parts of our daily lives. But with this increasing reliance on technology, many parents and adults alike are concerned about the impact of prolonged screen time on vision health, especially the risk of developing myopia.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close-up objects remain clear. It often begins in childhood and can progress over time. Myopia is usually caused by the eye growing too long from front to back or the cornea being too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

How Prolonged Screen Time Contributes to Myopia

Recent studies suggest a strong correlation between increased screen time and the rising prevalence of myopia in children and young adults. When we spend hours each day focusing on screens, our eyes are consistently engaged in “near work.” This extended close-up activity can place extra strain on the eyes and may contribute to the elongation of the eyeball.

In addition, screen time often replaces outdoor activities. Exposure to natural light and looking at objects in the distance help support healthy eye development. Limited outdoor time has been identified as another risk factor for the onset and progression of myopia.

Incorporating Healthy Habits to Protect Your Child’s Vision

While it’s difficult to avoid screens entirely, adopting healthy habits can help minimize the risk of myopia:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something at least 20 feet away.

• Encourage Outdoor Play: Aim for at least 1-2 hours of outdoor activity each day for children and teens.

• Limit Unnecessary Screen Time: Set boundaries around recreational screen use, especially before bedtime.

• Ensure Proper Lighting: Use adequate lighting when working or reading to reduce eye strain.

• Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Early detection and monitoring are key to protecting vision.

When to Consider Myopia Management Treatment

If you or your child notice signs of myopia, such as squinting, headaches, difficulty seeing distant objects, or frequent changes in glasses prescription, it may be time to discuss myopia management options with your optometrist. We offer several evidence based treatments that can help slow the progression of myopia, including:

• Specially designed eyeglasses or contact lenses

• Prescription eye drops (such as low-dose atropine)

• Lifestyle modifications and increased outdoor activity

At Jeffrey H. Brown Optometry, we provide comprehensive myopia management tailored to each patient’s needs.

Safeguard Your Family’s Eye Health

With screens being a constant part of life, it’s essential to be mindful of their impact on eye health. While screen time alone may not be the sole cause of myopia, excessive near work and limited outdoor activity are significant risk factors. By building healthy habits and staying proactive about eye care, you can help protect your and your family’s vision for years to come.

Contact Jeffrey H. Brown Optometry today to schedule a pediatric eye exam and learn more about myopia prevention. Visit our office in Costa Mesa, California, or call (714) 710-8062 to book an appointment today.