Does Screen Time Affect Kids with Myopia?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common refractive error that affects the ability to see distant objects clearly. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea (the clear front part of the eye) has too much curvature, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision.
 

Myopia is on the rise globally, with an estimated 2.6 billion people affected by 2020. The condition is particularly prevalent among children and adolescents, with studies showing a significant increase in myopia prevalence over the past few decades. This rise has been attributed to various factors, including genetic predisposition, environmental influences, and lifestyle changes.
 

What is Considered Prolonged Screen Time?

In the digital age, children are spending an increasing amount of time in front of screens, whether it's for educational purposes, entertainment, or social interaction. Prolonged screen time is generally defined as more than 2 hours per day of exposure to digital devices such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or televisions.
 

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that children aged 2-5 years should have no more than 1 hour of high-quality screen time per day, and children aged 6 and older should have consistent limits on the time spent using media and the types of media used. Exceeding these guidelines can be considered prolonged screen time, which may have implications for children's eye health, particularly those with myopia.
 

The Link Between Screen Time and Myopia Progression in Children

Numerous studies have investigated the relationship between screen time and the progression of myopia in children. The evidence suggests that prolonged exposure to close-up digital activities, such as reading, playing on smartphones or tablets, and using computers, can contribute to the development and worsening of myopia.
 

The mechanism behind this link is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to the visual demands of these activities. When focusing on a close-up screen, the eye's lens and ciliary muscles need to work harder to maintain clear vision, which can lead to eye strain and fatigue. This, in turn, may trigger biochemical and physiological changes in the eye that can promote axial elongation and the progression of myopia.
 

Tips for Managing Screen Time in Children with Myopia

To help manage the impact of screen time on children with myopia, consider the following strategies:

  • Enforce Screen Time Limits: Establish clear guidelines for daily screen time, and stick to them. Aim for no more than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day, and consider limiting educational screen time as well.
  • Encourage Frequent Breaks: Encourage your child to take regular breaks from screens, such as the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This can help reduce eye strain and fatigue.
  • Promote Outdoor Time: Ensure your child spends ample time outdoors, as exposure to natural light and distance viewing can help slow the progression of myopia.
  • Adjust Screen Settings: Optimize screen brightness, contrast, and text size to minimize glare and eye strain. Consider using blue light-blocking glasses or filters on digital devices.
 

Myopia Management Treatment Options

In addition to managing screen time, there are several treatment options available to help slow the progression of myopia in children:

  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): This involves the use of specially designed rigid gas-permeable contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea to reduce myopia.
  • Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to effectively slow the progression of myopia in children.
  • Multifocal Lenses: Multifocal glasses or contact lenses can help reduce the strain on the eyes during close-up work and potentially slow myopia progression.
  • Outdoor Time: Increasing the time spent outdoors has been associated with a reduced risk of myopia development and progression.
 

Discuss these options with your child's optometrist to determine the most suitable myopia management plan for your child's specific needs.
 

Balancing Screen Time and Eye Health in Children with Myopia

In the digital age, managing screen time is crucial for children with myopia. Prolonged exposure to digital devices can contribute to the progression of the condition, leading to worsening of the refractive error and potential long-term eye health consequences.
 

By implementing strategies to limit screen time, encourage outdoor activities, and incorporate eye-strengthening exercises, you can help your child with myopia maintain optimal eye health and visual acuity. Additionally, exploring myopia management treatment options, in consultation with an eye care professional, can provide a comprehensive approach to managing this prevalent condition.
 

To learn more about managing your child's myopia and protecting their eye health, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with one of our experienced optometrists and take the first step towards a brighter, clearer future for your child. Visit Drs. Farkas, Kassalow, Resnick & Associates at our office in Roslyn, New York, or call (516) 365-4500 to book an appointment today.