In today’s digital world, screen time is a constant companion for children, whether it’s for education, entertainment, or communication. While technology offers numerous benefits, it also brings potential risks to children’s eye health—particularly with the rising prevalence of myopia, or nearsightedness. Studies have shown a link between excessive screen time and the development or progression of myopia. As a parent, understanding these risks and taking proactive steps can help protect your child’s vision.

Understanding Myopia and Its Connection to Screen Time

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This leads to blurry distance vision. Research suggests that prolonged near work, such as reading or staring at screens, may contribute to the progression of myopia in children. Combined with reduced time spent outdoors, this creates a perfect storm for developing or worsening nearsightedness.

Digital screens exacerbate the issue by requiring constant near focus, often accompanied by reduced blinking rates, poor posture, and excessive blue light exposure. These factors can increase eye strain and accelerate the progression of myopia.

Tips for Parents to Mitigate Risks

While it’s unrealistic to eliminate screens entirely, you can take steps to minimize their impact on your child’s vision:

•       Encourage the 20-20-20 Rule: Teach your child to take a 20-second break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away. This practice relaxes the eye muscles and reduces strain.

•       Increase Outdoor Time: Studies show that spending at least 90 minutes outside daily can slow the progression of myopia. Outdoor activities expose the eyes to natural light, which plays a protective role in eye health.

•       Set Screen Time Limits: Establish boundaries for recreational screen use. Aim for no more than two hours per day, especially for younger children, and prioritize activities that don’t involve screens.

•       Create an Ergonomic Workspace: Ensure your child maintains proper posture while using screens, keeping the device at eye level and at least an arm's length away.

•       Promote Healthy Habits: Encourage frequent blinking and discourage using screens in dim lighting, which can strain the eyes further.

•       Regular Pediatric Eye Exams: Early detection is key to managing myopia. Comprehensive pediatric eye exams can identify issues before they worsen and provide tailored recommendations for treatment.

Treatment Options to Manage Myopia

In addition to lifestyle adjustments, there are medical interventions designed to manage myopia progression effectively:

•       Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses: These specially designed lenses can slow the progression of myopia by reducing the eye’s over-focus during near tasks. They are a safe and effective option for children.

•       Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K lenses are worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. This allows for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts and has been shown to slow myopia progression.

•       Low-Dose Atropine Pharmaceutical Drops: Atropine eye drops are a proven treatment to reduce the rate of myopia progression in children. These drops are safe when administered under professional supervision and are often used in conjunction with other treatments.

Why Early Intervention Matters

Left unchecked, myopia can lead to more severe eye problems later in life, including an increased risk of retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. By addressing the issue early, you can help your child maintain better vision and prevent long-term complications.

Take Action Today

At Waco Vision Source, we’re dedicated to helping your family achieve optimal eye health and clear vision. By staying informed about the risks of screen time and taking proactive steps, you can safeguard your child’s eyesight and reduce the impact of myopia.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam with Waco Vision Source and discover how our advanced myopia management treatments can support their long-term eye health. Visit our office in Waco, Texas, or call (254) 776-8119 to book an appointment today.