Screen Time Not Directly Linked to Myopia, Eye Health Experts Reveal
Despite widespread concerns that screen time is detrimental to eyesight, there is actually no evidence that close-up focusing on digital devices directly causes myopia, according to leading eye health researchers. This revelation challenges a common assumption among parents and educators about the impact of modern technology on vision.
The Real Culprit Behind Rising Myopia Rates
Professor Allison McKendrick, Lions Eye Institute UWA chair in optometry research in Perth, states that "the direct evidence for screens in and of themselves being problematic is pretty, pretty weak." Instead, experts suggest that screen time may be problematic primarily because it displaces other activities that are beneficial for eye health, particularly in children.
Dr Flora Hui, a clinical scientist at the Centre for Eye Research Australia at the University of Melbourne, emphasizes that "getting enough sunlight is actually important for the growth of their eye." One theory posits that sunlight triggers the release of dopamine, a neurotransmitter crucial for healthy eye development. Additionally, outdoor play encourages the eyes to focus on distant objects, which supports proper eye growth.
Hui advocates for "green time over screen time," recommending that children spend one to two hours outdoors daily. This practice has been proven to slow the progression of shortsightedness, which is becoming increasingly prevalent globally. Approximately one in three children and adolescents now experience myopia, with rates continuing to rise.
Age-Related Vision Changes and Prevention Strategies
For individuals who avoid myopia in their youth, the first significant vision challenge often emerges in midlife with presbyopia, commonly known as the "my arms are too short" problem. This age-related condition results from the lens of the eye losing flexibility, making it difficult to focus on close objects. Professor Lauren Ayton, deputy director of the Centre for Eye Research Australia, explains that "the need for reading glasses is linked to the number of birthdays you've had." While presbyopia is inevitable and cannot be prevented, it can be corrected with glasses, which do not weaken the eyes.
Another common age-related issue is cataracts, where the eye's lens becomes hazy over time. Although not preventable, cataracts can be effectively treated through surgical lens replacement. However, two other age-related conditions—glaucoma and age-related macular degeneration—can be prevented or slowed with early diagnosis. McKendrick warns that "the main age-related eye diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration initially don't have any symptoms," making regular eye examinations critical.
The Three O's for Optimal Eye Health
Ayton summarizes the key to maintaining healthy vision with the "three O's":
- Off screens: Limiting screen time to prioritize other activities.
- Outdoors: Ensuring adequate exposure to natural light and distant focusing.
- Optometrist: Scheduling regular eye check-ups every two to three years for those under 60, and more frequently thereafter.
With about 90% of vision loss being preventable or treatable, these strategies offer a proactive approach to safeguarding one of our most vital senses. As Ayton notes, "Blindness is a very scary disability, but people don't realise actually about 90% of vision loss can be prevented or treated." By debunking myths and emphasizing evidence-based practices, individuals can take meaningful steps to protect their vision throughout their lives.
