Study Finds More Screen Time Linked To Myopia Risk

Towards the end of 2024, an in-depth study featured in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reported that “the global prevalence of childhood myopia is significant.” The study forecasts that if current trends persist, approximately 740 million children and adolescents will experience nearsightedness by the year 2050.

These findings raise serious concerns, particularly as researchers continue to investigate the impact of increasing screen time on eye health. Evidence suggests a correlation between daily screen usage and the rising incidence of myopia among individuals worldwide.

According to a meta-analysis published in the JAMA journal, there is a clear link between increasing screen time and a 21% rise in myopia risk for users of smartphones and large-screen devices, evaluated on a per-hour basis.

Increased screen time raises risk of myopia

The report, which examined over 45 studies involving more than 300,000 subjects, indicates a significant dose-response relationship between daily screen time—especially when increments are made in 1-hour intervals—and the likelihood of developing myopia. “The risk of myopia notably escalates from 1 to 4 hours of screen exposure, with a more gradual increase thereafter,” the researchers noted.

Interestingly, the risks of myopia escalate even further when considering screen time across multiple devices (like smartphones, laptops, and TVs) compared to time spent on just one category of devices.

Additionally, a considerable association was found between myopia risks and increased screen time across all age demographics, spanning from ages 2 to 7, 8 to 18, and those 19 and older. Research indicated that the odds of developing nearsightedness rise substantially when daily screen use exceeds 1 hour, though this rate of increase slows down when screen time surpasses four hours each day.

A notable safety threshold appears for those who maintain daily screen time under one hour. However, the recent study does come with a few caveats concerning recommendations for reducing myopia risks.

“Simply cutting back on screen time in favor of traditional activities requiring near vision might not be an effective prevention strategy,” researchers state. Instead, they advocate for a balanced approach that includes reducing near-vision screen time while increasing outdoor activity.

A separate 2022 study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology further emphasized the rise in myopia associated with screen exposure, specifically for near-vision tasks. It’s essential, however, to recognize that myopia is not exclusively the result of prolonged screen use.

Lifestyle, environmental influences, and genetic factors also contribute to this condition. A different research piece from early 2025 indicated that decreasing screen duration could positively affect mental health, potentially yielding better outcomes than antidepressant treatments.

So, what can individuals do to manage the risks of myopia linked to daily screen time? Scientific findings suggest spending additional time outdoors may reduce the likelihood of developing myopia, although the evidence is not definitive. Interventions like bifocal glasses, extended depth of focus contact lenses, and orthokeratology lenses have been shown to modestly slow the progression of nearsightedness.

Another option for vision correction is refractive surgery. However, the most promising intervention appears to be the use of atropine solutions for myopia management, demonstrating the highest efficacy. The most effective course of action, though, is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the best approach for addressing vision-related concerns.