The Link Between Screen Time and Myopia Progression

For many children today, screens are a big part of daily life - whether it’s doing homework on a tablet, watching videos, or playing games. But spending too much time looking at screens up close can affect how young eyes grow and develop. More and more eye doctors are seeing a connection between increased screen time and the rise of myopia, or nearsightedness, in children.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This leads to blurred distance vision while near objects remain clear. Myopia often develops during childhood and tends to worsen as the eyes grow, which is why early detection and management are key to preventing long-term complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.
 

How Screen Time Contributes to Myopia Progression

Prolonged screen time increases near work - the visual effort required when focusing on close-up objects for extended periods. When children and adults spend hours looking at screens, their eyes must constantly accommodate, or adjust focus, to maintain clear vision at close range. This repeated strain may contribute to eye elongation, a key factor in myopia progression.

Additionally, excessive screen time often replaces outdoor play. Studies have shown that spending time outdoors, especially in natural sunlight, helps slow the onset and progression of myopia. The lack of natural light exposure and limited viewing distances indoors can exacerbate nearsightedness over time.
 

Strategies to Reduce the Impact of Screen Time

While reducing screen time entirely isn’t realistic, adopting healthy vision habits can make a significant difference:

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

• Encourage Outdoor Play: Aim for at least two hours of outdoor activity daily for children.

• Maintain Proper Viewing Distance: Keep screens at least an arm’s length away and positioned slightly below eye level.

• Set Screen-Free Times: Create technology-free zones or hours at home, especially before bedtime.
 

The Role of Myopia Management Treatments

At Swan City Eye Care, we offer proven myopia management treatments in Lakeland, FL, designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness and protect your child’s vision for the future. Our options include:

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea, providing clear vision during the day without glasses or daytime contacts.

• MiSight® 1 day Contact Lenses: FDA-approved soft lenses that not only correct vision but also slow myopia progression in children.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine helps relax the eye’s focusing mechanism and reduce the rate of eye elongation.

Our optometrist in Lakeland will assess your child’s unique needs and recommend a personalized plan to ensure the best possible outcomes.
 

Schedule a Pediatric Eye Exam in in Lakeland, FL

While technology continues to shape our world, understanding its impact on eye health is essential - especially for young, developing eyes. Limiting screen time, encouraging outdoor activities, and starting early myopia management can make a lasting difference.

If you’ve noticed your child squinting or struggling to see distant objects, it may be time for a comprehensive eye exam. Contact Swan City Eye Care to learn more about our myopia management treatments including Ortho-K, MiSight® 1 day lenses, and atropine therapy. Visit our office in Lakeland, Florida, or call (863) 323-7525 to book an appointment today.