Does Screen Time Impact My Kid’s Nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness is becoming increasingly common in children, and screen time is often blamed as the main cause. While screens aren’t the whole story, how and how often children use them can impact developing eyes. Let’s explore the connection between screen time and myopia, and how proactive care can help protect your child’s vision.
 

Understanding Nearsightedness in Kids

Nearsightedness makes distant objects look blurry while close-up vision remains clear. It often begins in childhood and can worsen as kids grow. Today, more children are becoming nearsighted at younger ages than ever before - a trend that has raised important questions about lifestyle factors, including screen use.
 

Does Screen Time Cause Myopia?

Screen time itself isn’t the sole cause of nearsightedness, but it does play a role. The bigger concern is prolonged near work - activities that require focusing up close for long periods, such as reading, writing, or using digital devices. Screens tend to encourage long stretches of near work without breaks, which can contribute to eye strain and may increase the risk of myopia progression in children who are already predisposed.

Genetics also matter. If one or both parents are nearsighted, a child has a higher chance of developing myopia. Screen habits can add to that risk when combined with limited outdoor time.
 

The Protective Power of Outdoor Time

One of the most consistent findings in vision research is the benefit of time spent outdoors. Natural light and looking at objects at varying distances appear to help slow the onset of nearsightedness. Children who spend at least one to two hours outside each day tend to have a lower risk of developing myopia, even if they use screens regularly.
 

Healthy Screen Habits for Kids

You don’t have to eliminate screens entirely. Instead, focus on balance:

• Encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds
• Make outdoor play a daily priority
• Set reasonable limits on recreational screen time
• Ensure screens are held at a comfortable distance and used in good lighting

Where Myopia Management Comes In

If your child is already nearsighted, the goal isn’t just clearer vision - it’s slowing progression. That’s where myopia management comes into play. Myopia management is a proactive approach that goes beyond standard glasses to help reduce how quickly nearsightedness worsens over time.

Depending on your child’s needs, myopia management may include:

• Specialized lenses or contact lenses designed to slow eye growth
• Customized treatment plans based on age, prescription, and lifestyle
• Ongoing monitoring to track changes and adjust care as needed

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Screen time alone isn’t the enemy, but too much near work without balance can contribute to nearsightedness in kids. By pairing healthy screen habits with plenty of outdoor time and considering myopia management when appropriate, parents can take meaningful steps to protect their child’s vision now and for the future.

Concerned about your child’s screen time or changing vision? Schedule a comprehensive eye exam at Wood Vision Source to learn whether myopia management is right for your child. Visit our office in San Antonio, Texas, or call (210) 796-0079 to book an appointment today.