Research indicates that an increase in screen time by the hour raises the likelihood of developing myopia.

      Towards the end of 2024, a detailed study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology reported that "the global prevalence of childhood myopia is significant." Based on ongoing trends, it forecasted that by 2050, the number of children and young adults experiencing near-sightedness will reach approximately 740 million.

      While these trends are alarming, the scientific community remains uncertain about the impact of increasing screen time on eye health. Evidence suggests a connection between daily screen usage and the incidence of myopia in individuals worldwide.

      According to a meta-analysis published in the JAMA journal, there is a relationship between the increase in screen time on an hourly basis and a 21% rise in the risk of myopia among users of smart devices like phones and large-screen electronics.

      The analysis, which examined over 45 studies with more than 300,000 participants, identifies a clear dose-response relationship between an individual's daily screen time—particularly after a one-hour increase—and their likelihood of developing myopia. The researchers noted that "myopia risk rose significantly from 1 to 4 hours of screen time, with a more gradual increase thereafter."

      Importantly, the risk of myopia escalates considerably when considering cumulative screen time across multiple devices (such as smartphones, computers, and televisions) rather than exposure from a single type of device.

      Additionally, "a significant association was found" between myopia risks and increased screen time in all age groups, including children aged 2 to 7 years, teenagers aged 8 to 18 years, and individuals 19 years and older. The researchers noted that the likelihood of near-sightedness heightened when daily screen time exceeded one hour, but this increase slowed when it surpassed four hours each day.

      A sort of safety threshold was observed when daily screen time remained under one hour. However, there are some caveats to the recent findings, especially regarding the reduction of myopia risks.

      The experts stated, "Merely reducing screen time in favor of traditional near-vision activities may not be an effective prevention strategy." They advocated for a combined approach that decreases near-vision screen time while enhancing outdoor activities.

      A separate study published in the Journal of Ophthalmology in 2022 also pointed to a rise in myopia correlated with screen exposure, especially for near-vision tasks. It's important to note that myopia is not solely the result of extended screen time; it is also linked to lifestyle, environmental, and genetic factors. Notably, another study conducted earlier in 2025 suggested that lowering screen time might have better outcomes for mental wellness compared to antidepressants.

      So, how can one mitigate the risks of myopia associated with daily screen use? Research indicates that spending more time outdoors might lessen the risk of developing myopia, although this is not definitive. Options such as bifocal glasses, EDOF contact lenses, and orthokeratology lenses are associated with a moderate reduction in the progression of myopic vision.

      Refractive surgery is also a possibility, but the most promising method appears to be atropine solution for myopia control, which has shown the highest effectiveness. Nonetheless, the best course of action is to consult with a qualified healthcare professional to determine the most suitable solution for vision-related problems.