With tablets, smartphones, computers, and digital whiteboards in schools, screens are now part of children's everyday lives. Many parents are therefore asking themselves: can screen time make children nearsighted? The answer is not as simple as a yes or no.
Understanding myopia in children
Myopia is a vision disorder that causes children to see well up close but blurry from a distance. It often appears during childhood or adolescence and tends to progress as children grow.
In recent decades, the number of nearsighted children has increased significantly worldwide. Researchers are therefore taking a close look at environmental factors, including screen time.
Are screens responsible for nearsightedness?
Current studies show that screens do not directly cause nearsightedness, but they may contribute to its development or progression in some children.
Here's why:
- Prolonged close-up vision: Looking at a screen requires constant focusing, especially when children spend long periods of time without a break.
- Less time outdoors: The factor most strongly associated with myopia is a lack of time spent outdoors. Natural light plays an important protective role in eye development.
- Visual fatigue: Screens can cause eye strain (dry eyes, headaches, reduced blinking), which is not myopia itself, but can affect visual comfort.
In summary: it is not so much the screen as the balance (or imbalance) between close-up activities and outdoor activities that influences visual health.
The essential role of time spent outdoors
Several studies show that children who spend at least 2 hours a day outdoors have a reduced risk of developing myopia or see its progression slow down.
Natural light stimulates the retina and helps the eye develop properly—an effect that screens, even with filters, cannot replicate.
How can you reduce the risks associated with screen time?
Without banning screens altogether (which is often unrealistic), a few simple habits can make a big difference:
- Apply the 20-20-20 rule.: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet (6 meters) away for 20 seconds.
- Encourage outdoor play every day, rain or shine.
- Vary activities: Alternate between screens, reading, manual games, and physical activities.
- Maintain a good reading distance: Avoid screens that are too close to the face.
- Have your eyes checked regularly: An eye exam can quickly detect changes and allow for early intervention.
The importance of eye exams for children
Myopia can progress rapidly during childhood, sometimes without the child realizing it. Regular eye exams allow you to:
- Detect myopia as soon as it appears
- Monitor its progression
- Discuss appropriate solutions if necessary
Screen time alone does not cause children to become nearsighted, but excessive use combined with a lack of outdoor activities can increase the risk. The key lies in balance, prevention, and visual monitoring tailored to each child.
An active child who plays outside and has their vision monitored regularly has the best chance of healthy vision, today and tomorrow.
