Can Looking at Screens Cause Myopia in Children? What Research Suggests

Children today are screen-loving. Phones, laptops, tablets, and televisions have become an integral part of their lives. Many children watch videos for hours, play games, or do schoolwork on the computer. Although screens are fun and educational, parents are concerned about eye health in their children. One such question is whether excessive viewing of screens can lead to myopia, or nearsightedness. Myopia means a child can see things close up clearly but struggles to see far away. Let’s look at what new research says about screens and eye health.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye becomes too long from front to back. As a result, light is focused in front of the retina rather than correctly on it. This makes far-away objects appear blurry. Myopia usually develops during childhood and tends to get worse as children grow. According to Dr Aditi Sapovadia, Paediatric Ophthalmologist, Squint and Cataract Consultant at Netradeep Maxivision Eye Hospital, Rajkot, myopia is a refractive error where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain 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, resulting in blurred vision. Symptoms are squinting, sitting near the TV, rubbing eyes, and complaining about headaches or blurry vision.

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Do Screens Cause Myopia?

Most think that screen staring is the primary cause of myopia. Though it's true that excessive near work does stress out the eyes, emerging research shows that screen use is only one part of the equation. A study in The Lancet examined children's screen time, outdoor play, and rates of myopia. It found that children with increased outdoor time had reduced myopia risk, irrespective of screen time. The study stated that more time spent outdoors is linked with a lower rate of myopia. 

Near work activities, such as screen time, had a lesser effect on myopia development than the protective benefit of outdoor exposure. In short, this means that the outdoor light and activity protect more than the screen induces myopia.

The Reason Why Staying Outdoors Is Good For Your Eyes

Playing outdoors exposes the eyes of the kids to the light outside. This lights up the growth of the eyes and makes sure the eyes do not grow too long. The other thing that is promoted through outdoor play is that the child stares across and their eyes are taking a break on the near work.

It is recommended that children get at least 2 hours of outdoor time a day. This may comprise of playing, walking or any other outdoor activity they enjoy.

Screen Time Management

• Though screens cannot be seen as the only cause of myopia, eye strain, dryness, and headache may be caused by excessive screen use. 
• To make sure that the eyesight of children stays healthy, it is advised to follow the following. 
• Make them take frequent breaks from the screens. Exercise the 20-20-20 rule: after every 20 minutes, look at something that is 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
• The screens should be put at ideal heights and distances.
• Make sure that it is well lit to avoid glare or severe reflection.
• Restrict optional screen exposure, especially at night.

Visiting an Eye Doctor Regularly

In case you notice your child frequently squinting their eyes, complaints about poor vision, or lack of ability to see objects in the distance, bring him/her to check his/her eyes. Myopia Diagnosis of myopia at a toddler age may help to slow down the development process with the help of the appropriate selection of glasses or treatment.

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Conclusion

Even though screens are stressful to the eyes, screaming is not the main trigger of child myopia. Playing outside is much more significant in the protection of the young vision. Taking breaks in between or after hours at the screen, exercising, and routine visits to the eye doctor will keep the eyes of your child healthy. Minor adjustments in daily activities are ideal for the good vision of children.