How Digital Screens Impact Myopia and What You Can Do About It

It’s no secret that screens have become a big part of daily life. Whether it’s online learning, video games, social media, digital devices are everywhere. But for many families in Brampton and surrounding areas, there’s growing concern about how excessive screen time is affecting their children’s eyesight—specifically, the increasing rates of myopia (nearsightedness).

The Link Between Screen Time and Myopia

Myopia is more than just needing glasses to see far away. It’s a progressive condition that, if left unmanaged, can lead to serious eye health risks later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma. Research suggests that prolonged screen use—especially up close—can contribute to the development and progression of myopia in children.

When kids spend hours staring at screens, their eyes are constantly focusing on near objects. This extended close-up work can lead to eye strain, fatigue, and changes in eye growth that encourage nearsightedness. Additionally, less outdoor time means less exposure to natural light, which studies have shown plays a crucial role in slowing myopia progression.

Encouraging Healthy Screen Time Habits

If your child is glued to a tablet, phone, or computer, you’re not alone. But there are ways to build healthier screen habits to help protect their vision:

• Follow the 20-20-20 Rule – Every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This simple habit helps reduce digital eye strain.

• Increase Outdoor Time – Spending at least 90 minutes outside per day has been shown to lower the risk of developing myopia and slow its progression. Encourage outdoor play, sports, or even a family walk around Chinguacousy Park.

• Limit Screen Use Before Bed – Blue light from screens can disrupt sleep, which is also essential for healthy eye development. Try to power down devices at least an hour before bedtime.

• Create a Screen-Free Zone – Designate certain areas, like the dining table or family living room, as screen-free zones to encourage breaks from digital devices.

The Importance of Myopia Management

While making lifestyle changes can help, managing myopia often requires more than just cutting back on screen time. At Brampton Eye Clinic, we offer specialized myopia management options designed to slow progression and protect your child’s long-term eye health. Treatments such as orthokeratology (Ortho-K), atropine eye drops, and myopia control lenses can be highly effective in reducing the rate at which myopia worsens.

If you’ve noticed your child squinting, complaining about blurry distance vision, or holding screens unusually close, it may be time for a comprehensive eye exam. Myopia isn’t just about needing stronger glasses—it’s about safeguarding their vision for the future.

Take Control of Your Child’s Eye Health at Brampton Eye Clinic

Screen time is a part of modern life, but it doesn’t have to come at the cost of your child’s vision. By encouraging healthy habits and staying proactive with myopia management, you can help protect their eyesight for the long term. We offer personalized solutions to slow myopia progression and support lifelong eye health.

If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, schedule a myopia consultation with Brampton Eye Clinic and take the first step toward clearer, healthier sight. Visit our office in Brampton, Ontario, or call (647) 348-9926 to book an appointment today.