Research on Screen Time and Myopia in Kids and Teens

A research study published in BMC Public Health investigated whether excessive screen time can contribute to the development of nearsightedness (also known as myopia) in children and adolescents.

Myopia makes it difficult to see things that are far away, and it’s becoming more common in young people.

When they studied the different types of screens, they found that using computers and watching television were linked to a higher risk of developing myopia. However, using smartphones didn’t show the same strong connection.

They also learned that the longer kids used screens, the greater their risk of having vision problems.

Here’s why this study matters: Young people today spend a lot of time on screens for school, games, and entertainment. This research reminds us how important it is to take regular screen breaks and give our eyes a chance to rest.

Understanding the Research

The goal of the study was to find out if spending more time on screens — such as computers, TVs, and tablets — can cause myopia in young people. The researchers wanted to understand how strong this connection is by reviewing past studies.

They searched large science databases and found 19 studies that met their standards. Special software was used to combine the data and look for patterns.

They compared children with high screen time to those with low screen time and also examined the impact of adding just 1 more hour of screen use per day. The researchers looked at different types of screens, such as computers and smartphones, and took into account where and when each study was conducted.

Here are the key findings from the study:

• Computer and TV use were more strongly associated with myopia than smartphones — perhaps due to the smaller text on phones.
• The connection between screen use and myopia became stronger after 2008. This is likely due to the rise of smartphones and digital education.
• The association between screen time and myopia was strong in East and South Asia, but not significant in Europe and America.
• Spending time outside during the day can help prevent myopia. One reason is that sunlight may boost a chemical in the eye called dopamine, which helps slow down the elongation of the eyeball.
• Countries with high academic pressure and lots of extra tutoring, like South Korea, showed extremely high myopia rates among students (up to 96.5%).

Practical Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Now that we know excessive screen time is linked to a greater risk of myopia in children, it’s important to take steps to protect their vision. Preventing myopia isn’t just about cutting screen time. It’s also about supporting healthy habits.

Here are some things parents and caregivers can do:

Encourage outdoor play every day

Activities like riding a bike, walking the dog, playing tag, or even reading a book in the shade all count. The key is to get outside during daylight hours so the eyes are exposed to brighter natural light.

Use the 20-20-20 rule

Teach your child to take regular breaks while using screens by following the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

This will help relax the eye muscles and reduce eye strain. You can make it fun by setting a timer or turning it into a game, like spotting something outside the window during the break!

Monitor your child’s screen habits

Keeping an eye on how and when your child uses screens helps you catch unhealthy patterns early. You might notice that they’re using devices too close to their face or spending long hours without taking breaks.

Set reasonable screen time limits based on your child’s age, and create screen-free routines (such as during dinner or right before bedtime). You can also consider parental controls to help manage their device use.

Download our handout on Screen Time Tips For Parents And Families.

Schedule regular eye exams

Regular eye check-ups help catch vision problems like myopia early. An eye doctor can check if their eyes are functioning normally and if they need glasses or other treatments.

Eye doctors recommend that children have their first eye exam at six months old to check if their eyes are developing normally. After that, it’s best to have another exam by age 2 or 3, and again before starting school.

Researchers still don’t fully understand how smartphones and tablets affect myopia on their own. Since these devices are usually held closer to the eyes than TVs or computers, more studies are needed to look at their unique impact.

Big changes don’t happen overnight. Download our Healthy Habits Posters to help children build habits that lead to lasting wellness.