In today’s digital age, screens are everywhere - from smartphones and tablets to computers and televisions. While technology offers endless benefits, it has also brought concerns about its impact on our vision, particularly when it comes to myopia, or nearsightedness. Many parents and patients wonder: Does increased screen time cause myopia?
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia is a common refractive error that makes distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. Myopia often begins in childhood and tends to progress during the school years and teenage years.
 

The Link Between Screen Time and Myopia

While screen time itself does not directly cause myopia, excessive use of digital devices has been linked to factors that may contribute to its development and progression. Here’s how:

• Prolonged near work: Spending hours focusing on close-up tasks can strain the eyes and potentially influence myopia progression.

• Reduced outdoor time: Studies show that children who spend less time outdoors have a higher risk of developing myopia. Natural light exposure and focusing on distant objects help the eyes relax and develop properly.

• Digital eye strain: Staring at screens for long periods can lead to discomfort, dryness, and blurred vision, all of which can make it harder to maintain healthy visual habits.
 

Practical Tips for Healthy Screen Habits

To minimize the effects of screen time and support healthy eyes:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

• Encourage outdoor play for at least 1-2 hours a day.

• Maintain proper lighting and posture when using digital devices.

• Schedule regular comprehensive eye exams to monitor vision changes early.
 

How Myopia Management Can Help

At Raleigh Eye Center, our team takes a proactive approach to myopia management, focusing on slowing the progression of nearsightedness and protecting long-term vision health. We emphasize early detection, consistent monitoring, and individualized care plans that address each patient’s unique visual needs. By identifying changes in vision early and encouraging healthy visual habits, we can help safeguard your child’s eyesight and reduce the risk of future complications associated with myopia.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

While screen time alone doesn’t directly cause myopia, it can contribute to its development when combined with limited outdoor activity and prolonged near work. The good news is that early detection and professional treatment can help protect your child’s vision for the future.

If you’re concerned about your child’s screen time or noticing signs of nearsightedness, schedule a pediatric eye exam at Raleigh Eye Center today. Contact our office in Raleigh, Durham, Reidsville, Henderson, North Carolina, or South Hill, Virginia. Call (919) 899-2472, (919) 876-2427 or (252) 492-8021 to book an appointment.