The Connection Between Myopia and Digital Eye Strain: What You Need to Know

Carson City families are no strangers to busy days filled with school, work, and screen time. Whether it's students using tablets for homework or parents working remotely, digital devices have become part of everyday life. But as screen time increases, so does the risk of vision problems, especially in children. Understanding how screen habits affect your child's vision is the first step toward protecting their long-term eye health.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, causes distant objects to appear blurry while objects up close are seen clearly. This happens when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. Myopia typically develops in early childhood, as early as 3-5 years old. If not addressed and properly managed, myopia can worsen as the child gets older.
 

How Prolonged Screen Time Affects Myopia

Spending long periods looking at digital screens can lead to a condition known as digital eye strain, also referred to as computer vision syndrome. While this condition can cause symptoms like eye fatigue, headaches, and blurred vision, it can also contribute to the progression of myopia. Studies have shown that near-focused activities, such as reading on a screen or phone for extended periods, may accelerate the elongation of the eyeball in children and adolescents, leading to a worsening of myopia.
 

Additionally, screen time often replaces outdoor activities, which are proven to be protective against myopia development. Natural light and focusing on distant objects outdoors give the eyes a much-needed break from constant near work.
 

Incorporating Healthy Screen Time Habits

While screen time is often unavoidable, there are several ways to help reduce digital eye strain and protect your vision:

  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds

  • Adjust screen settings: Ensure brightness and contrast are comfortable and minimize glare

  • Maintain proper posture and screen distance: Keep screens at arm's length and slightly below eye level

  • Encourage outdoor time: Aim for at least 2 hours of outdoor play or activity for children daily
     

These habits are simple yet effective in easing eye strain and slowing the progression of myopia.
 

What Is Myopia Control and Why Is It Important?

Myopia control refers to treatments and strategies designed to slow the worsening of nearsightedness in children. Slowing the progression is important because higher levels of myopia increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, and myopic maculopathy.
 

At Downtown Vision, we offer proven myopia control options, including:

  • MiSight 1 day contact lenses: FDA-approved daily disposable lenses specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children

  • Atropine eye drops: Low-dose atropine drops can help slow the elongation of the eye and are typically used at night

  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) Night Lenses: Custom-designed night lenses worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea and provide clear vision during the day without contacts or glasses
     

These treatments are safe, effective, and tailored to your child’s needs based on their lifestyle and level of myopia.
 

Take Control of Your Child’s Eye Health

With the rise in screen use among children and teens, it is more important than ever to stay proactive about eye health. If your child is experiencing blurry distance vision or spending long hours on digital devices, schedule an eye exam to evaluate their risk for myopia and explore control options.
 

At Downtown Vision, we are here to support your family’s eye health every step of the way. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and learn more about our personalized myopia control solutions. Visit our office in Carson City by calling (775) 883-3977, or our use this link, to book your appointment today.