Could Too Much Screen Time Affect My Child’s Eyes?

Digital devices are part of everyday life, but for kids, too much screen time can start to take a toll on their vision.

From smartphones to tablets to laptops, children are spending more time than ever doing close-up tasks. While these tools are useful for school and play, excessive screen use—especially without breaks—has been linked to rising rates of childhood myopia (nearsightedness).

If your child rubs their eyes frequently, holds screens too close, or complains of blurry distance vision, it may be more than fatigue. It could be a sign their eyes are struggling to adapt.

What Is Myopia and Why Is It Rising?

Myopia means your child can see clearly up close, but distant objects appear blurry. It occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina.

Experts are increasingly concerned because:

  • Myopia is appearing at younger ages
  • It is progressing more quickly
  • More children are developing high myopia than ever before

Key contributors include:

  • Long hours of near work, such as reading or screen use
  • Lack of outdoor time, which helps regulate eye growth
  • Poor screen habits, including no breaks or holding devices too close

While glasses help your child see clearly, they do not slow myopia progression. If left unmanaged, myopia can increase the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including:

  • Retinal detachment
  • Glaucoma
  • Cataracts
  • Myopic macular degeneration

The good news is that these risks are manageable—especially when intervention begins early.

How Can I Protect My Child’s Eyes?

We’re not here to eliminate screens—we’re here to help make screen time healthier.

Small changes can make a big difference:

  • Limit recreational screen time to under 2 hours per day after school
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds
  • Encourage 1–2 hours of outdoor play daily to support healthy eye growth
  • Keep screens at least 18–24 inches away from the face
  • Build regular breaks into reading, homework, and digital activities

You don’t need to overhaul your family’s routine. Even a few habit changes can help slow myopia progression and reduce eye strain.

What If My Child Already Has Myopia?

If your child has already been diagnosed with myopia, we can do more than simply correct their vision—we can help slow its progression.

At Washington Eye Doctors, our [tokens name=’doctor’]s offer safe, effective myopia management options designed specifically for growing eyes:

  • Stellest® lenses: Specialized glasses that correct vision while slowing myopia progression
  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Gentle overnight lenses that reshape the cornea during sleep
  • Multifocal contact lenses: Daytime lenses that support both clear vision and myopia control
  • Vision coaching: Guidance on posture, screen habits, and outdoor time
  • Low-dose atropine eye drops: Daily bedtime drops that rarely blur vision and can slow myopia progression

We’ll tailor a treatment plan that fits your child’s vision needs, personality, and daily routine.

FAQ: What Parents Are Asking

Is screen time the only cause of myopia?
No. Genetics play a role, but excessive screen use and limited outdoor time are major contributors.

Can myopia be cured?
No, but it can be managed. Early intervention helps slow progression and reduce long-term risks.

Are myopia management treatments safe?
Yes. Options like Ortho-K and Stellest lenses are non-invasive, safe for children, and well tolerated.

Is outdoor time really that important?
Absolutely. Even 90 minutes of daily natural light exposure can help protect against myopia progression.

Book a Myopia Management Consultation in Washington, D.C. & Chevy Chase, MD

If you’re noticing changes in your child’s vision or screen habits, early action matters—and it starts with one simple appointment.

At Washington Eye Doctors, we provide comprehensive myopia evaluations and personalized treatment plans. Our team is here to help you understand what’s happening, how to manage it, and how to protect your child’s vision for the future.

Call us or Book Now today to schedule your child’s consultation. We’re here to help your family see clearly and confidently.