Will Screen Time Worsen Myopia?

From smartphones and tablets to computers and TVs, screens are everywhere - especially for children and teens. While technology has made learning and communication easier, it has also raised new concerns about eye health. One of the most common questions we hear from parents is: Can all this screen time make myopia, or nearsightedness, worse? Understanding how these habits affect vision is the first step toward protecting your child’s eyesight.

 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It typically develops in childhood and often progresses through the teenage years. The cause of myopia is multifactorial - genetics play a role, but environmental factors such as prolonged near work and lack of outdoor time are also significant contributors.

 

The Link Between Screen Time and Myopia Progression

While screens themselves don’t directly cause myopia, they do contribute to behaviors that can worsen it. Children and adults alike tend to spend long periods focusing on screens at close distances, often without taking breaks. This prolonged “near work” can strain the eyes and potentially accelerate the progression of myopia.

Excessive screen time also often means less time spent outdoors - a critical factor, as studies show that natural light exposure helps slow myopia development. Encouraging outdoor play and frequent visual breaks can help counterbalance this effect.

 

How Myopia Management Can Help

The good news is that myopia progression can be managed with professional care. At Texas State Optical Dowlen, we offer personalized myopia management programs designed to slow the progression of nearsightedness in children and teens.

These treatment options may include:

•Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses: Special overnight lenses that reshape the cornea temporarily for clear vision during the day while helping to control myopia progression.

•Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine has been shown to effectively slow myopia development in many children.

•MiSight contact lenses: These specialized lenses help reduce eye strain and control the way light focuses on the retina.

By combining these advanced treatments with lifestyle guidance, we can create a plan tailored to each patient’s needs.

 

Tips to Protect Your Eyes from Screen-Related Strain

Even with myopia management in place, adopting good visual habits can make a big difference:

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

•Maintain proper viewing distance: Keep screens at least arm’s length away.

•Ensure good lighting and minimize glare to reduce eye strain.

•Encourage at least 1-2 hours of outdoor activity each day when possible.

 

Schedule a Myopia Management Consultation

While screen time alone isn’t the sole cause of myopia, prolonged digital device use and limited outdoor exposure can contribute to its progression. By taking preventive steps and seeking professional guidance, families can help protect their child’s vision for years to come.

If you’re concerned about your child’s screen time or notice signs of worsening vision, our team at Texas State Optical Dowlen can help. We’ll assess your child’s eye health and create a personalized myopia management plan designed to preserve their vision and eye health. Visit our office in Beaumont, Texas, or call (409) 202-6547 today.