Screens have become an inseparable part of modern life, but new research suggests they may significantly impact eye health.
A recent study published in JAMA Network Open has identified a strong correlation between screen time and an increased risk of myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness.1 Myopia affects the ability to see distant objects clearly while close objects remain sharp.
Screen Time and Myopia: The Alarming Connection
Researchers analyzed data from 45 studies involving over 335,000 participants with an average age of nine. They found that each additional hour of daily screen time was linked to a 21% increase in the likelihood of developing nearsightedness. The risk escalated significantly with one to four hours of screen exposure per day and continued rising at a slower rate beyond four hours.
According to a recent survey, Americans spend more than five hours a day on their smartphones alone. This prolonged exposure may be taking a toll on eye health.
How Screens May Contribute to Nearsightedness
Experts have long warned about the potential risks of excessive screen use, particularly digital eye strain, which can cause dry eyes, itchiness, and blurred vision.However, this new study suggests a deeper connection between screen time and myopia.
The researchers believe their findings could help shape future public health guidelines. With half of the global population expected to develop myopia by 2050, understanding the impact of screens is more important than ever.
“This study provides valuable data that eye care professionals can use to educate patients on the risks associated with prolonged screen use,” said Laura Ann Goldberg, OD, assistant professor of ophthalmology at Johns Hopkins Medicine. “Parents, in particular, can use these insights to manage their children’s screen time more effectively.”
Can Screens Directly Cause Nearsightedness?
While a strong correlation exists between screen time and myopia, the exact mechanism behind this relationship remains unclear. Victoria Tseng, MD, PhD, a researcher at UCLA Stein Eye Institute, notes that more studies are needed to understand the underlying cause.
One theory suggests that screens contribute to myopia because they are used at close range. Previous research has shown that “near work” activities, such as reading or watching TV, are associated with a higher risk of myopia.
For example, a 2022 study found that children who relied on screens for online learning during the pandemic experienced more rapid myopia progression than those who didn’t. This could be due to a process called accommodation, where the eyes constantly adjust to focus on close objects, potentially leading to changes in eye growth.
Additionally, artificial screen lighting has been linked to disruptions in sleep patterns. Poor sleep quality and altered melatonin levels have been suggested as factors in myopia progression.
Beyond Myopia: Additional Eye Health Concerns
Myopia can be managed with glasses or contact lenses, but developing nearsightedness can have long-term consequences. Tseng warns that myopia increases the risk of serious eye conditions, including:
- Retinal tears and detachments
- Glaucoma
- Strabismus (misalignment of eye muscles)
Excessive screen time is also linked to other visual discomforts, such as glare sensitivity, headaches, and eye fatigue. Goldberg points out that prolonged digital screen use has been strongly associated with dry eye disease.Reduced blinking while staring at screens can lead to quicker tear evaporation, exacerbating dryness and irritation.
How to Protect Your Eyes from Screen-Related Damage
Given the growing body of research, experts suggest reducing screen exposure to help lower the risk of myopia. The authors of the study propose limiting screen time to under an hour per day as a potential safety threshold.
For children, screen time recommendations from the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry include:
- Minimal screen time for children under 18 months, except for occasional video calls
- Less than an hour per day for ages 18 to 24 months
- One hour per weekday and three hours per weekend day for children ages 2 to 5
- Encouraging healthy screen habits for children ages 6 and older
“Children’s eyes are still developing, making them particularly vulnerable to excessive screen exposure,” said Tseng. “Parents should actively monitor screen use to minimize the risk of early-onset myopia.”
For adults, reducing screen time may not always be practical, especially for those who rely on digital devices for work. However, simple habits can help reduce eye strain:
- Blink frequently to keep eyes lubricated
- Use moisturizing eye drops
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
By being mindful of screen habits and taking proactive steps to protect eye health, individuals can mitigate the risks associated with prolonged digital exposure.
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