How Does Screen Time Affect the Risk of Myopia Progression?

As technology becomes an even bigger part of our everyday lives, especially for children, it’s important to understand how screen time may be affecting their eye health. One of the most common concerns among parents today is myopia, or nearsightedness - a condition that not only impacts a child’s ability to see clearly at a distance but can also worsen over time. Let’s explore how screen time influences myopia progression and what you can do to protect your child’s vision.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia is a common refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry, while close-up vision remains clear. It typically begins in childhood and tends to worsen throughout the school years, especially during periods of rapid growth. This condition occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
 

The Risks of Untreated Myopia

Untreated or progressively worsening myopia can lead to more than just the need for stronger glasses. High levels of myopia are associated with an increased risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including:

• Retinal detachment

• Glaucoma

• Cataracts

• Myopic maculopathy
   

Addressing myopia early can help slow its progression and reduce the risk of these long-term complications.
 

How Screen Time Affects Myopia Progression

Excessive screen time, especially when paired with limited outdoor activity, has been associated with an increased risk of developing myopia and accelerating its progression. This connection stems from several contributing factors.
 

One of the main concerns is prolonged near work. When children spend long periods staring at screens, their eyes are constantly focused on nearby objects. This intense and extended focus can lead to eye strain and may promote elongation of the eyeball.
 

Limited exposure to natural light also plays a significant role. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors in natural light can help slow the progression of myopia. When children spend the majority of their time indoors on screens, they miss out on this protective benefit, further increasing their risk.
 

What Parents Can Do to Help

Parents play a key role in helping their children develop healthy screen habits and protecting their vision. Here are a few practical steps:

• Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, encourage your child to take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away.

• Encourage outdoor play: Aim for at least 90 minutes of outdoor time each day. Natural sunlight helps slow the progression of myopia.

• Limit screen time: Set reasonable limits for recreational screen use, especially before bedtime.

• Maintain proper screen distance: Devices should be held at least 18-24 inches from the eyes and positioned slightly below eye level.

• Schedule regular eye exams: Early detection is key to effective myopia management.
   

When to Consider Myopia Management Treatment

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, or you’ve noticed their vision worsening rapidly, it may be time to consider myopia control options. At Milestones Eyecare, we offer several clinically proven treatments to help slow the progression of myopia:

• Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine is used nightly to reduce the eye's growth rate without affecting vision.

• MiSight® 1 day contact lenses: These FDA-approved daily disposable lenses are designed specifically to slow myopia progression in children.

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed rigid lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day—without glasses or contacts.

• Multifocal contact lenses: These lenses help reduce eye strain and slow axial eye growth while correcting vision.
   

Our team can help determine which treatment is best based on your child’s age, lifestyle, and degree of myopia.
 

ScheduleYour Child’s Eye Exam Today

In today’s digital world, screen time is almost unavoidable - but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your child’s vision. By understanding the connection between screen use and myopia progression, you can take meaningful steps to protect their long-term eye health. We specialize in pediatric eye care and myopia management, and we’re here to help your child see clearly now and in the future.
 

If you're concerned about your child's screen time or notice changes in their vision, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Milestones Eyecare to learn more about myopia control options. Visit our office in Centennial, Colorado, or call (720) 303-3069 to book an appointment today.