In today’s digital age, children are spending more time on screens than ever before, whether it’s for studying, gaming, or socializing. While technology has brought immense benefits, recent studies are raising concerns about its impact on children’s health, specifically their vision. A new analysis from researchers in Korea has found that every additional hour of screen time significantly increases a child’s risk of developing myopia, also known as nearsightedness.
The Growing Myopia Problem
Myopia is a condition where the eyeball elongates excessively, making it difficult for the eye to focus on distant objects. In a world where screens dominate much of daily life, this condition is becoming increasingly common. According to research, nearly 40% of children and adolescents worldwide could have myopia by 2050. The condition has already become a growing concern, particularly as young people continue to spend hours each day on screens.
While genetics play a role in who develops myopia, other factors are contributing to its rise. A primary contributor is a lack of time spent outdoors. The simple act of being outside, especially in natural light, has been shown to help protect against myopia. Additionally, when children and young adults focus on close-up objects for prolonged periods, such as reading or looking at screens, they are more likely to develop myopia. This phenomenon has raised alarms as digital devices continue to increase in use, particularly among younger generations.
The Impact of Screen Time on Myopia
In the study conducted in Korea, researchers analyzed 45 studies involving 335,524 participants. They focused on the relationship between screen time and the development of myopia, looking at screen devices such as mobile phones, gaming consoles, and televisions. The findings revealed a clear correlation between screen time and an increased likelihood of myopia, especially among children, adolescents, and young adults.
The research showed that every additional hour of screen time was associated with a 21% higher chance of developing myopia. For example, if a child aged 12 to 13 in the UK spent one hour a day on screens, their risk of being shortsighted increased to 18%. After four hours of screen time, the risk jumped to 27%. This data suggests that the longer children engage in screen-based activities, the higher the odds of them developing myopia.
For children who already had myopia, an additional hour of screen time was linked to a 54% increase in the severity of the condition. The more time spent on screens, the greater the risk of myopia worsening, with a sharp rise in risk as daily screen time increased. The study found that one hour of screen time each day was associated with a 5% higher risk of developing myopia compared to no screen time. But the risk increased exponentially after that, with four hours of screen time resulting in a 97% higher risk.
Interestingly, the study suggested that there may be a “safety threshold” for screen use. Below one hour of screen time per day, there was no clear association with myopia, suggesting that limited screen exposure may not pose a significant risk. However, the research also indicated that the odds of developing myopia continued to rise gradually with increasing screen time beyond the threshold.
The Complexity of the Issue
While the findings raise significant concerns, the research has its limitations. For one, some studies relied on self-reports of myopia, which could lead to inaccuracies. Additionally, the team did not account for other close-up activities that participants may engage in, such as reading or studying, making it difficult to isolate the impact of screen time specifically. Moreover, measuring screen time is a challenging task, and further evidence is needed to confirm the existence of a safety threshold.
The researchers themselves acknowledge that the study does not prove a direct cause-and-effect relationship between screen time and myopia. Instead, they suggest that the lack of outdoor exposure and the time spent focusing on screens indoors could be contributing factors. Myopia is not only linked to excessive screen time but also to the overall reduction in time spent outside, which provides important protective benefits for eye health.
Prof. Chris Hammond, a consultant ophthalmologist at King’s College London, agreed with this assessment. He emphasized that the interaction of various risk factors in the development of myopia is complex, and that both screen time and the lack of outdoor activities likely contribute to the growing problem.
One of the most striking examples of this interaction comes from the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic. During the lockdowns, many children were forced to stay indoors for extended periods and engage with screens for online schooling and entertainment. As Prof. Hammond pointed out, studies from this “natural experiment” suggest that the combination of being kept indoors and excessive screen time is detrimental to eye health. This, in turn, has led to a noticeable increase in myopia cases, particularly among children.
The Need for Change
Prof. Rupert Bourne, a consultant ophthalmic surgeon at Anglia Ruskin University, also expressed concern over the rising rates of myopia. One of the key risks associated with worsening myopia is the increased likelihood of sight-threatening conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and cataracts. As myopia worsens, it can lead to serious complications that affect long-term vision.
The research highlights the urgent need for public health policies and educational strategies to address the growing “myopia pandemic.” Experts are calling for a multifaceted approach that involves reducing screen time, encouraging outdoor activities, and promoting eye health education.
One of the most effective ways to combat the rise of myopia is to encourage children and young adults to spend more time outdoors. Studies have shown that exposure to natural light and focusing on distant objects can help protect against myopia. Experts recommend that children spend at least two hours outside each day, particularly in environments that allow them to look at objects in the distance, such as parks or open spaces. This can counteract the detrimental effects of excessive screen time and reduce the risk of developing myopia.
The findings from the study in Korea shed light on a growing health concern that affects millions of children and young people worldwide. Myopia is a preventable condition, but it requires a change in habits and lifestyle. The rise in screen time, coupled with a lack of outdoor activities, is contributing to the increasing prevalence of myopia, but there are steps we can take to reverse the trend.
Parents, educators, and public health officials must work together to limit screen time, promote outdoor activities, and raise awareness about the importance of eye health. While the research points to a clear link between screen time and myopia, more studies are needed to fully understand the relationship and determine the best strategies for preventing this condition in the future.
As the world becomes more digitally connected, it is essential that we prioritize the health of our children’s eyes, ensuring they have the opportunity to grow up with clear and healthy vision. By taking proactive steps now, we can help prevent a future where myopia becomes even more prevalent and severe.