Screen Time and Children’s Myopia: How Digital Devices Affect Young Eyes – Pampanga
Reviewed by Mark Paul S. Paroli, OD MBA FAAMM, Board Certified Optometrist
Last updated: September 14, 2025
Why myopia progresses
Myopia (nearsightedness) often increases during childhood because the eyeball continues to grow longer—a change called axial elongation. As myopia rises, so does lifelong risk for retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic maculopathy. Modern care focuses on slowing progression—not just clearing vision—so children can protect their eyesight over time.
Serving families in Pampanga, Healthy Eyes PH helps parents understand why myopia progresses and which daily habits make a meaningful difference—especially in today’s world of digital learning and device use.
Signs your child’s myopia is progressing
Prescription increases by about 0.50D or more within 12 months
Sitting closer to the board or TV, or squinting for distance
Headaches or eye strain after long periods of close work or screens
Holding books or devices very close to the face
Teachers or coaches report difficulty seeing distant details
Screen time, near work, and myopia—what recent research suggests
Research from the last decade points to a familiar pattern: it’s not “screens” alone, but the combination of long, uninterrupted near tasks, close viewing distance, and low outdoor time that’s most associated with myopia onset and faster progression.
Conversely, regular outdoor daylight exposure is consistently linked with lower risk of myopia onset, and may support slower progression in some children.
Key takeaways for parents
Distance matters: Keep reading and device distance at about 30–40 cm or more; laptops at roughly an arm’s length.
Breaks matter: Frequent short breaks help relax the eye’s focusing system during long study or screen sessions.
Daylight matters: Aim for daily outdoor time; natural light exposure appears protective in large population studies.
Daily habits that help slow progression
2 hours outdoors daily when possible. Encourage outdoor play, sports, or family walks around Pampanga—San Fernando, Angeles City, Clark, and nearby parks. Daylight exposure is a consistent protective factor in research.
Follow the 20‑20‑20 rule for near work. Every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds to relax focusing demand.
Keep a healthy viewing distance. Maintain 30–40 cm for books/tablets and about an arm’s length for laptops. A book stand can help with posture and distance.
Balance study blocks. Alternate near tasks with movement or distance‑based activities (e.g., reviewing notes on a whiteboard from across the room).
Good lighting and posture. Use bright, even lighting; avoid reading in the dark. Keep screens at or slightly below eye level to reduce leaning in.
Consistent sleep schedule. Late‑night cramming increases prolonged near work and fatigue. Prioritize age‑appropriate sleep to support eye comfort and overall health.
Model healthy habits. Children mirror adults—demonstrate your own screen breaks and outdoor time.
High‑level options for controlling progression
Evidence‑based options exist and can be tailored by an eye care professional. The best plan depends on age, how quickly the prescription is changing, eye health, lifestyle, and family history. During an assessment, we’ll review your child’s screen/reading habits and discuss suitable options that fit your goals.
When to see a specialist in Pampanga
Prescription has increased by ~0.50D or more in the last year
Ongoing difficulty seeing school boards despite recent glasses
Strong family history of high myopia
Frequent headaches/eye strain after long study sessions
You’re unsure how to balance study demands, screen use, and outdoor time
What to expect at a myopia assessment
Comprehensive vision and prescription check
Discussion about near‑work patterns, device distance, and outdoor time
Evaluation of progression pace and risk factors
A personalized plan and follow‑up schedule to monitor changes over time
FAQs
Q1: Does screen time cause myopia?
A1: Screen time by itself isn’t the only driver. The bigger concern is prolonged close work at short distances combined with low outdoor time. Managing distance, taking breaks, and increasing daylight exposure matters most.
Q2: How much outdoor time helps?
A2: Aim for around 2 hours per day when possible. Daylight exposure is a consistent protective factor for myopia onset in children.
Q3: What’s a safe reading or device distance?
A3: Keep books and handheld devices at least 30–40 cm from the eyes, and laptops around an arm’s length. Use good lighting and maintain upright posture.
Q4: Can myopia be reversed?
A4: The goal is to slow progression and protect long‑term eye health. Myopia typically doesn’t reverse, but we can influence how quickly it changes with healthy habits and professional guidance.
Q5: When should we get an assessment?
A5: If your child’s prescription increases by ~0.50D within a year, they struggle to see the board, or there’s a strong family history, book an assessment soon—preferably with a local specialist in Pampanga.
Q6: Do blue‑light filters prevent myopia?
A6: Current evidence doesn’t show blue‑light filters prevent myopia. Focus on outdoor time, proper viewing distance, good lighting, and regular breaks.
Local information and how to book in Pampanga
For more information, call or text (0915) 860 0555 or call (045) 402 6386. You may also visit Dr. Mark Paroli at:
Soliman Paroli Optical – San Fernando Branch: Monday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday
Soliman Paroli Eye Center – 2/F New Point Mall: strictly by appointment
Soliman Paroli Eyecare – SM City Clark: Tuesday and Wednesday