The Alarming Rise of Myopia: Your Child’s Screen Time Could Be Ruining Their Vision

Our world is digital. Kids use screens for school, play, and staying connected with friends. But too much screen time can strain young eyes. Recent research shows that even one extra hour can boost the risk of developing myopia (short-sightedness) by 21%.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia means distant objects look blurry while close-up vision stays clear. It happens when the eyeball grows too long or the eye’s focusing power is too strong. This condition isn’t just about needing glasses, high myopia can lead to serious eye issues later in life, including retinal damage and even blindness.

A Global Rise in Myopia

Myopia is on the rise worldwide. Studies suggest that nearly 40% of young people could be affected by 2050, with rates as high as 70–90% in parts of Asia. The COVID-19 lockdowns and increased screen time have pushed these numbers even higher.

How Screen Time Affects Young Eyes

Digital screens require a lot of close-up focus. Here are some key points:

• Increased Risk: Every additional hour of screen time boosts the risk of myopia by about 21%.

• Indoor Time: More screen time means less outdoor play. Natural light helps slow down myopia progression.

• Early Onset: Children using screens early in life may start showing signs of myopia as early as 6 years old.

Practical Tips for Protecting Your Child’s Vision

At Ocushield, we care about your family’s eye health. Here are some simple strategies:

1. Set Screen Time Limits:
   Limit recreational screen time to under one hour for very young children and no more than two hours for older kids. This can help reduce eye strain and lower myopia risk.
   

2. Encourage Regular Breaks:
   Follow the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This habit relaxes eye muscles and eases the strain of prolonged close-up work.
   

3. Boost Outdoor Time:
   Aim for at least two hours of outdoor play each day. Natural light and the opportunity to focus on distant objects are vital for healthy eye development.
   

4. Optimize Screen Settings:
   Adjust brightness, font size, and contrast on digital devices to reduce glare and ease eye fatigue.
   

5. Consider Blue Light Protection:
   Ocushield offers medically rated blue light filters that help shield young eyes from harmful blue light without compromising color clarity.
   
   

Local Initiative: Salterforth School Offers Free Blue Light Glasses

In a heartening local initiative, Salterforth Primary School in Barnoldswick has become the first school in UK to offer free blue light glasses to its pupils. Launched in the autumn term, the scheme was organized by parent Nick Tofalos and generously supported by Ocushield. The free glasses were provided in a range of designs and colours, including clip-on varieties for children who already wear glasses, ensuring that every child has access to protective eyewear throughout the school day.

Headteacher Vikki Havers-Strong shared,

“As a school, we are always looking for ways to support our pupils’ wellbeing and learning. Research suggests that blue light blocking glasses may help reduce eye strain and improve sleep quality. This kind donation from Ocushield has allowed us to provide our children with an easy, accessible way to benefit from blue light protection at any point during the day.”

This initiative has met with overwhelming enthusiasm from parents, staff, and students alike. With modern classrooms increasingly relying on LED lighting and digital tools, protecting young eyes has never been more important. High-profile figures such as footballer Erling Haaland and music mogul Simon Cowell are also known to use blue light blocking glasses, underscoring their growing popularity in our digital age.

Final Thoughts

Balancing digital life with healthy eye habits is essential for our children’s vision. With rising myopia rates and clear research linking excessive screen time to eye strain, simple steps like setting screen limits, taking regular breaks, boosting outdoor time, and using blue light protection can make a big difference.

At Ocushield, we’re committed to helping families safeguard their eyes in today’s screen-filled world. Learn more about how our blue light products can support your child’s vision and stay informed with the latest research and tips on eye health.

Protecting your child's eyes starts with awareness and simple lifestyle changes. Let's work together for a healthier digital future!