Calgary Myopia Control: How Screen Time Affects Your Child’s Vision

In today’s digital age, screens are an integral part of our children’s lives. Whether it's for educational purposes, entertainment, or social interaction, children are spending more time in front of screens than ever before. While technology offers many benefits, it also brings potential risks, especially to children's eye health. At Blink Eyewear in Calgary, we’re dedicated to helping you understand and manage these risks, particularly the growing concern of myopia (nearsightedness) caused by excessive screen time.

The Rise of Screen Time and Its Impact on Children's Vision

As screens become more prevalent, so does the incidence of myopia among children. Studies have shown a significant increase in myopia rates worldwide, correlating with the rise in screen usage. In Canada, about 30% of children are affected by myopia, and this number is projected to increase. Excessive screen time can strain a child's eyes, leading to symptoms such as eye fatigue, headaches, blurred vision, and even more serious, long-term consequences like myopia.

Digital Eye Strain: A Growing Concern

Digital eye strain, also known as computer vision syndrome, is a common issue among children who spend prolonged periods in front of screens. Symptoms include dry eyes, eye fatigue, blurred vision, and headaches. The blue light emitted from screens can also interfere with sleep patterns, further exacerbating eye strain. Children’s eyes are still developing, and excessive exposure to screens can hinder this development, making them more susceptible to myopia.

The Link Between Myopia and Screen Time

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This condition makes distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. Research suggests that children who spend more time on near-work activities, such as using digital devices, are at a higher risk of developing myopia. A study published in the British Journal of Ophthalmology found that each additional hour of screen time per week was associated with a 2% increase in the odds of developing myopia.

Prevention and Management of Myopia

Preventing and managing myopia involves a multifaceted approach. Encouraging regular breaks from screen time, promoting outdoor activities, and ensuring proper lighting while using digital devices can significantly reduce the risk of myopia. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This helps to relax the eye muscles and reduce strain. Additionally, comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection and management of myopia. At Blink Eyewear, we offer specialized myopia control treatments, including orthokeratology (Ortho-K) lenses and atropine eye drops, which have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children.

The Importance of Outdoor Time

Spending time outdoors has been shown to have a protective effect against myopia. Natural sunlight and the opportunity to focus on distant objects help to balance the effects of prolonged near-work activities. Encouraging your child to spend at least two hours a day outside can significantly reduce the risk of developing myopia. Activities such as playing sports, walking, or simply enjoying nature provide both physical and visual benefits.