Are Screens Worsening Your Eyesight? The Link Between Myopia and Screen Time

In today’s world, screens are everywhere. From scrolling on your phone to working on a laptop and unwinding with a TV show, digital screens have become a huge part of our daily routine. But have you ever noticed your vision getting blurrier, or your eyes feeling tired after a long day staring at screens? If so, you’re not alone. Research suggests that excessive screen time may be contributing to the rise of Myopia (nearsightedness), and here’s why. 

The Myopia Epidemic & Screen Time 

Myopia is a common condition where distant objects appear blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea becomes too curved, causing light to focus incorrectly on the retina. While genetics play a role in Myopia development, environmental factors—especially prolonged screen use—are now being recognised as major contributors. 

Over the past few decades, the rates of Myopia have skyrocketed, particularly among children and young adults. Experts believe that our increasing reliance on digital screens for work, education, and entertainment is playing a significant role in this trend. 

How Screens Contribute to Myopia Progression 

1. Increased Near Work Strain Spending long hours staring at screens means your eyes are constantly focusing on nearby objects. This “near work” places stress on the eye muscles and can encourage the elongation of the eyeball, leading to or worsening Myopia.

2. Reduced Outdoor Time Studies show that outdoor time, particularly in natural sunlight, helps slow down Myopia progression. However, excessive screen time often replaces outdoor activities, depriving the eyes of crucial exposure to natural light. This is extremely prevalent in younger children now, who spend more time on screens over outdoors. 

3. Digital Eye Strain & Blue Light Exposure Prolonged screen use can lead to digital eye strain, causing symptoms like dryness, discomfort, and difficulty focusing. Additionally, blue light from screens has been linked to disrupted sleep patterns, which may indirectly affect eye health over time.

Tips to Protect Your Eyes 

If you spend a lot of time on screens, here are some simple habits to reduce the risk of Myopia and keep your eyes healthy: 

👀 Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 

🌞 Spend More Time Outdoors: Aim for at least 1-2 hours of outdoor activity daily to reduce Myopia progression. 

📱 Limit Screen Time for Kids: Encourage breaks from devices and promote outdoor play to protect their developing vision. Aim to only allow 1-2 hours of screen time.  

💡 Adjust Your Screen Settings: Reduce brightness, use blue light filters, and maintain a comfortable viewing distance. 

👓 Get Regular Eye Checkups: Early detection is key! Book an eye examination to monitor and manage Myopia effectively. 

Take Action for Your Eye Health 

While technology is here to stay, taking small steps can make a big difference in protecting your eyesight. If you’re experiencing symptoms of Myopia or eye strain, don’t ignore them—early intervention can prevent further vision problems. 

Concerned about your vision? Book a consultation with SA Eye Specialists today! 

📞 +61 8 8243 0900 

📍 27 Woodville Rd, Woodville South