Prolonged Screen Time Causes Myopia

Although there has been a gradual transition to face-to-face education, many classes continue to be conducted online, meaning remotely. The time children spend in front of computers during the day is not insignificant. This increasingly popularizes the issue of "myopia," or the inability to see far. Anadolu Health Center Ophthalmology Specialist Op. Dr. Yusuf Avni Yılmaz explains that myopia occurs when the structure of the eye is longer from front to back than normal, or when the corneal layer, the transparent front layer of the eye, is curved more steeply forward. “Recent studies show that myopia has become more common among children. Research indicates that children who engage in near-focus activities, spending more time indoors on computer work, video games, and reading, have a higher rate of myopia compared to those who spend more time outdoors. During the pandemic, we observed that the eye complaints of children, especially those receiving online education, were triggered. Children's eye examinations should not be neglected,” he stated.

Myopia can sometimes be corrected with glasses, contact lenses, or surgery. Individuals with myopia also have a higher risk of certain eye diseases, such as glaucoma (eye pressure) and retinal tears, compared to others. Families with children who have refractive errors, such as myopia, often ask the first question during each examination, “Is there a way to stop this issue?” Doctors are seeking ways to slow the progression of myopia in children. While myopia cannot be reversed, the goal of treatment is to prevent it from worsening further.

It’s Important for Children to Stay Away from Screens During Their Free Time

Nowadays, due to the pandemic, children are spending more time in front of computers. Considering this situation, myopia becomes increasingly important. It is essential to ensure that children spend as much time outdoors as possible during their free time from classes. By balancing screen time on computers or other digital devices with outdoor time, except in mandatory situations (such as remote education), it is possible to limit the child's myopia and help preserve their vision as they grow.

Eye Drops and Special Contact Lenses Treat Myopia

The regular use of eye drops can slow the progression of myopia. While it is not entirely clear how it slows progression, it is believed to prevent the lengthening between the front and back of the eye.

Special contact lenses can also be used by children aged 6-12 with myopia. Multifocal contact lenses have different focal areas. This type of lens has a design that includes multiple circles. While the center of the lens corrects blurred distance vision, the outer parts of the lens blur the child’s peripheral (side) vision. It is thought that blurred side vision slows eye growth and limits myopia. However, the use of contact lenses is not as safe as wearing glasses. Even adults who wear contact lenses can encounter issues, and extra care must be taken for children. This is because corneal infections related to contact lenses can lead to serious vision problems.

Special Lenses Worn at Night Help Correct the Cornea While the Child Sleeps

There are also lenses worn overnight to correct blurred distance vision. These lenses flatten the cornea while the child sleeps. The next day, light passing through the reshaped cornea falls precisely on the retina, allowing distant images to appear clearer. However, wearing these lenses only improves vision for a short period. When you stop wearing them, the cornea gradually returns to its normal shape, and myopia returns, but it can still provide some permanent reduction in the progression of myopia.

Last Updated Date: 21 February 2024

Publication Date: 21 February 2024

MD. Surgeon Yusuf Yılmaz

Ophthalmology Department

Relevant Medical Speciality

Ophthalmology Department Review Medical Speciality

Ophthalmology Department

Department Doctors

Explore Speciality

Gebze

Ophthalmology Department

MD. Surgeon Arslan Bozdağ

0262 678 50 00

More Detail

Ataşehir

Ophthalmology Department

MD. Surgeon Burcu Usta Uslu

0262 678 50 00

More Detail

Ataşehir

Ophthalmology Department

MD. Surgeon Fatih Meydanoğlu

0262 678 50 00

More Detail

Gebze

Ophthalmology Department