Myopia and Digital Device Use: How Screen Time Affects Your Eyes and What You Can Do

In today’s digital age, our reliance on screens has grown exponentially. From working on computers to scrolling through smartphones and watching shows on tablets, digital devices are integral to our daily lives. However, this increased screen time is impacting our eye health, particularly contributing to the rise of myopia (nearsightedness).
 

What Is Myopia and Why Is It Increasing?

Myopia is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Studies suggest that prolonged near work, such as using digital devices, and limited time outdoors may play a significant role in the increasing prevalence of myopia, especially among children and young adults.
 

When we spend hours staring at screens or focusing on tasks up close, our eyes may adapt to these conditions, leading to elongation of the eyeball—a key factor in myopia development. This phenomenon is particularly concerning among children, as their eyes are still developing.
 

How Does Screen Time Affect Your Eyes?

• Digital Eye Strain: Extended screen use can lead to discomfort, including headaches, dry eyes, blurred vision, and neck pain. This condition, often called computer vision syndrome (CVS), may exacerbate myopia in susceptible individuals.
   

• Reduced Blinking: While focusing on screens, our blinking rate decreases, leading to dry eyes—a common complaint among screen users.
   

• Inadequate Outdoor Time: Time spent indoors on devices often replaces outdoor activities, where exposure to natural light is known to reduce myopia risk.
   

Tips to Protect Your Eyes from Excessive Screen Time

While digital devices are essential, there are steps you can take to safeguard your vision:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps reduce digital eye strain and gives your eyes a chance to relax.
   

• Optimize Your Workspace: Ensure your screen is at eye level and about an arm’s length away. Adjust brightness and reduce glare to avoid unnecessary strain.
   

• Encourage Outdoor Time for Kids: Aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor play daily. Exposure to natural light can help slow myopia progression in children.
   

• Use Blue Light Protection: Consider wearing blue light-blocking glasses or using screen filters to reduce exposure to harmful blue light from screens.
   

• Schedule Regular Eye Exams: Early detection of myopia or other vision problems is crucial. Our team at Texas State Optical Midlothian offers comprehensive eye exams to monitor and manage your eye health.
   

Advanced Solutions for Myopia Management

At Texas State Optical Midlothian, we provide cutting-edge solutions for myopia management. Treatments such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses, atropine eye drops, and MiSight contact lenses can slow the progression of myopia in children and adults. During your eye exam, we’ll discuss the best options tailored to your needs.
 

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam Today

Your eyes are priceless, and protecting them from the effects of screen time is more important than ever. By adopting healthy screen habits and seeking professional care, you can reduce the risk of myopia and maintain optimal eye health.
 

Contact Texas State Optical Midlothian for personalized care and guidance to keep your vision clear and comfortable, even in a screen-focused world. Visit our office in Midlothian, Texas, or call (972) 299-3720 to schedule an eye exam today.