Myopia Management in the Digital Age: Addressing Screen Time and Near Work

Myopia has become a growing concern in the modern era. As our world becomes increasingly digitized, with screens and near-work activities dominating our daily lives, the prevalence of myopia has skyrocketed. In fact, the World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, nearly 50% of the global population will be affected by this refractive error.
 

What is Myopia?

Myopia is a condition where the eye focuses light in front of the retina, resulting in blurred distance vision. This condition typically develops during childhood and adolescence, often progressing rapidly during the school-age years. The rise in myopia prevalence is largely attributed to the significant increase in time spent on near-work activities, such as using digital devices, reading, and studying.
 

The Link Between Near Work and Myopia Progression

Prolonged periods of close-up activities, such as staring at a computer screen or reading a book, can strain the eyes and contribute to the development and worsening of myopia. This is because the eye's focusing mechanism, known as accommodation, is constantly engaged during these near-work tasks, leading to changes in the eye's shape and the subsequent refractive error.
 

Managing Screen Time to Prevent Myopia

To address the growing concern of myopia, it is crucial to implement effective strategies to manage screen time and near-work activities. Here are some practical tips:
 

• Establish Screen Time Limits: Set reasonable daily or weekly limits on the amount of time spent on digital devices, such as smartphones, tablets, and computers. Encourage regular breaks and encourage your family to engage in outdoor activities or other non-screen-based hobbies.
   

• Implement the 20-20-20 Rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and focus your eyes on something at least 20 feet away. This simple exercise can help reduce eye strain and fatigue associated with prolonged near-work activities.
   

• Adjust Lighting and Screen Brightness: Ensure that the lighting in your work or study environment is appropriate and not overly bright or glaring. Additionally, adjust the brightness and contrast of your digital screens to minimize the strain on your eyes.
   

• Encourage Outdoor Time: Spending time outdoors has been shown to have a protective effect against myopia progression. Encourage your family to engage in outdoor activities, such as playing sports, going for walks, or simply spending time in nature.
   

• Adopt Proper Posture and Viewing Distances: When using digital devices or engaging in near-work activities, maintain a proper posture and ensure that the screen is positioned at an appropriate distance from your eyes, typically around 20-26 inches (50-66 cm).
   

Market Street Optometry's Approach to Myopia Management

At Market Street Optometry, we understand the importance of addressing the growing problem of myopia, especially in the digital age. We begin by conducting a thorough eye examination to assess the extent of the myopia and identify any underlying factors that may be contributing to its progression. 
 

Based on this assessment, we develop a customized treatment plan that may include specialty contact lenses, such as multifocal or orthokeratology (ortho-k) lenses, or low-dose atropine eye drops. We work closely with our patients and their families to educate them on the importance of lifestyle modifications, such as managing screen time and encouraging outdoor activities.
 

To learn more about myopia and how we can help you or your child, schedule a consultation with Market Street Optometry to explore the best myopia management solutions for you and your family. Visit our office in San Francisco or Daly City, California. Call (415) 896-1824 or (650) 992-0102 to book an appointment today.