In today’s digital age, screens have become an integral part of daily life, especially for children and adolescents. However, this increased screen time is raising alarms among health professionals due to its association with a surge in myopia cases.

Children are now exposed to various digital devices, including smartphones, tablets, computers, and televisions, from a very young age. This trend has been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, which necessitated remote learning and increased reliance on digital entertainment. While these devices offer educational and recreational benefits, excessive use has been linked to several health concerns.

Myopia: A Growing Epidemic

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry. With each additional hour of screen time, the risk of developing myopia increases by 21%. Projections suggest that by 2050, nearly half of the global population could be affected by myopia. This surge not only impacts vision but also increases the risk of other eye-related complications such as glaucoma and retinal detachment.

Contributing Factors

Several factors contribute to the rise in myopia cases:

Prolonged Near Work: Extended periods of focusing on screens require intense near vision, which can strain the eyes.

Reduced Outdoor Activity: Children spending more time indoors miss out on natural light exposure, which is crucial for healthy eye development.

Artificial Lighting: Reliance on artificial lighting over natural light can adversely affect eye health.

Recommendations for Mitigation

To combat the rising trend of myopia linked to digital device usage, experts suggest:

Limiting Screen Time: Children under two years should have no screen exposure. For those aged 3-5 years, screen time should be restricted to one hour daily.

Encouraging Outdoor Activities: Regular exposure to natural light through outdoor play can help in healthy eye development.

Implementing School Policies: Schools should consider policies that limit screen usage and promote traditional teaching methods.

Regular Eye Check-ups: Routine eye examinations can help in the early detection and management of myopia.