Increased Screen Time Linked to Higher Risk of Myopia in Children

Association between increased daily screen time and the risk of developing myopia

Learn about the link between increased screen time and the rising risk of myopia in children, and discover strategies to protect their vision.

A recent meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open reveals a significant association between increased daily screen time and the risk of developing myopia, or nearsightedness, in children. The study analyzed data from over 335,000 participants across 45 studies and found that each additional hour of screen time per day raises the risk of myopia by 21%. Children engaging in screen-based activities for more than four hours daily are particularly vulnerable. Myopia can lead to severe eye health complications, including retinal tears and glaucoma. Experts recommend strategies like the 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away every 20 minutes—to mitigate eyestrain. This study underscores the need for regulating screen time, especially in children, to prevent long-term vision issues.

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