Myopia, or nearsightedness, makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. This condition occurs when the eye’s shape causes light rays to bend incorrectly.
A recent study, published in BMC Public Health, reviewed and analysed the link between screen time and myopia in children and adolescents. Researchers from Soochow University in China assessed various studies to determine how screen exposure affects the risk of developing myopia.
Study Scope
The researchers reviewed 19 studies with 102,360 participants. They used data from major health databases to understand the link between screen time and myopia.
Screen Time Impact
Children who spent more time on screens had a higher risk of developing myopia. Those who had high screen time were much more likely to become nearsighted compared to those with low screen time.
Device-Specific Findings
The study found that using computers and watching TV were linked to higher myopia risk, but smartphone use was not as clearly linked.
Geographic Variation
The increased risk was especially notable in studies from East and South Asia, and in research done after 2008.
Quality and Bias
Most of the studies were of good quality, but some had issues like small sample sizes and not accounting for all possible factors. Despite these issues, the overall results were strong.
The study highlights the potential risks of prolonged screen time for children’s eye health and suggests that limiting screen exposure could help reduce the risk of myopia.
Source: India Today
Tips to trim your kids’ screen tme
– If your kids spend a lot of time on screens, including watching TV, start by setting smaller, more attainable goals. Instead of jumping right to the recommended one-two hours or less per day, start by cutting their screen time in half.
– After school or work, spend time each day talking face to face with kids and give them your full attention.
– During screen-free hours, put devices away or at a charging station in a common area so they’re not attracting your kids’ attention.
– Making family meal areas a phone-free zone is an easy way to start.