Have you noticed your child squinting more often, holding books close to their face, or complaining about blurry vision when looking at objects farther away? Maybe they are glued to their tablet or computer, and you’re starting to wonder if screen time could be causing vision problems. 

At New England EyeWorks in Keene, we hear from many concerned parents asking the same question: “Can screen time cause nearsightedness?” 

Let’s take a closer look at the connection between screen time and myopia, and what you can do to protect your child’s vision and eye health. 

What is myopia? 

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common vision problem where close-up objects are clear while objects in the distance appear blurry. It usually begins in childhood and tends to worsen over time as the eye continues to elongate. 

While genetics can increase a child’s risk of developing myopia, lifestyle factors also seem to play a crucial role. 

Can screen time cause myopia? 

Yes, too much screen time may contribute to the development and progression of myopia. Here’s how:  

• Prolonged near work (like reading, tablet use, or gaming) can strain the eyes and affect their growth. 
• Lack of outdoor time, which gives the eyes a break and exposure to natural light, has been linked to faster myopia progression. 
• Close-up focus for long stretches can lead the eye to adapt to “near” as the default, increasing the risk of myopia in kids and teens. 

Digital devices aren’t going anywhere, but finding balance is key, especially during those critical early years when the eyes are still developing. 

Signs your child might be nearsighted 

Keep an eye out for these common symptoms of myopia: 

• Squinting to see distant objects, such as the board at school 
• Frequent headaches or eye strain 
• Sitting too close to screens or holding books very close 
• Complaints of blurry vision, especially at a distance 
• Difficulty seeing road signs or classroom materials 

If your child is showing any of the signs listed above, don’t hesitate to contact us for a pediatric eye exam in Keene, New Hampshire.  

Small changes can have a big impact 

You don’t have to cut out screens completely, but here are a few habits that can help: 

• Encourage regular breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, have your child look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. 
• Aim for at least 1–2 hours of outdoor play daily. 
• Limit recreational screen time, especially before bed. 
• Make sure screens are held at a safe viewing distance of at least an arm’s length away. 

If you’re concerned about your child’s screen time and how it might be affecting their eyes, give us a call at New England EyeWorks. Our eye doctor specializes in the early detection of common eye conditions in children and provides myopia management in Keene, NH, which can slow myopia progression and lower the risk of more serious eye issues later in life. Schedule an appointment today and let’s create a plan that works for your child’s eyes and your family’s lifestyle.