Even 1 Hour of Daily Screen Use Can Increase Myopia Risk
With today’s digital era, screen time has become a part of everyday life. Kids to adults, everyone is stuck in their phones, tablets, and laptops for hours together. But a recent study has brought into question the effects of screen exposure on the eyes. Surprisingly, even a single hour of daily screen time could increase myopia (nearsightedness) risk considerably.
What is Myopia?
Myopia is a condition in which distant objects are not seen clearly, but near objects are clear. It happens when the eyeball becomes longer, making light focus in the wrong place on the retina. Myopia has been increasing all over the world, particularly among children.
Why Does Screen Time Increase Myopia Risk?
Scientists think that too much screen time influences eye development in a number of ways:-
Prolonged Near Work: Enduring screen gazing for hours compels the eyes to continuously focus on close objects, resulting in eye strain and eyeball elongation.
Decreased Outdoor Time: Research indicates that outdoor time slows myopia development but excessive screen time confines individuals indoors.
Exposure to Blue Light: Electronic screens radiate high-energy blue light, which might induce oxidative stress and interfere with usual eye growth.
Blinking Reduction: During screen use, individuals blink less often, causing dryness and irritation, contributing to eye fatigue.
Key Findings of the Study
New studies show that even a single hour of screen use daily can make individuals more susceptible to myopia, especially among children and adolescents. The study revealed that:-
Those who used screens for over one hour a day were twice as likely to get myopia than those with short screen time.
Risk accelerated for those above four hours of use a day.
Daily outdoor activity of over 90 minutes lessened the ill effects of screen usage.
Screen Time and Myopia Risk: Who Is Most Vulnerable?
Myopia can strike anyone, but there are groups at higher risk:-
Children and teens (because of developing eyes)
Students and office workers (too much near work)
Those with a family history of myopia
Those with little time outdoors
Screen Time and Myopia Risk: How to Minimize the Threat?
Although screens are unavoidable, you can do things to guard your eyes:-
Adhere to the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, glance at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
Spend More Time Outdoors: Spend a minimum of 90 minutes outdoors per day to subject your eyes to natural light.
Modify Screen Settings: Utilize blue light filters, enlarge font sizes, and keep a good distance from screens.
Take Frequent Breaks: Steer clear of uninterrupted screen exposure and participate in eye-friendly activities such as reading books or playing outside.
conclusion
The results of this research are an important reminder that even a little daily screen exposure can increase the risk of myopia. As much as digital technology is necessary, taking care of the eyes through careful screen use is vital. Individuals can greatly reduce their risk of developing myopia by balancing screen time and outdoor activities with careful eye care.
