Can Early Childhood Access to Devices Cause Myopia?

Digital devices are now part of everyday childhood. From tablets and smartphones to virtual learning platforms, many children are exposed to screens at an early age. This shift has raised an important question for parents: Can early childhood access to devices cause myopia?

At Oceanclear Eyecare, we often hear this concern - and the answer is nuanced. While screens are not the sole cause of myopia, they can be a contributing factor.

What Is Myopia?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is a condition where distant objects appear blurry while near objects remain clear. It develops when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.

Myopia is more than just needing glasses. Higher levels of myopia increase the risk of serious eye conditions later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. That’s why early detection and management are essential.

How Device Use May Contribute

Research shows that environmental factors play a significant role in the development and progression of myopia - especially in childhood.

Prolonged Near Work - Using digital devices requires sustained focus at close distances. Extended near work has been associated with increased eye growth, which can contribute to myopia progression.

Reduced Outdoor Time - Children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia. Natural light exposure and focusing on distant objects appear to protect against excessive eye growth. Increased screen time often replaces outdoor play, reducing these protective benefits.

Earlier Onset - When myopia develops at a younger age, it tends to progress more quickly and reach higher prescriptions. Early and excessive device use may contribute to earlier onset in susceptible children.

 

It’s Not Just Screens

Genetics also play a major role. If one or both parents are nearsighted, a child’s risk of developing myopia increases significantly. However, lifestyle habits - such as prolonged screen use and limited time outdoors - can accelerate progression.

The goal is not to eliminate technology, but to create healthy visual habits.

Healthy Vision Habits for Children

  • Encourage 1-2 hours of outdoor play daily
  • Follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
  • Keep devices at arm’s length when possible
  • Limit recreational screen time, especially for young children
  • Schedule routine comprehensive eye exams

Children may not realize their vision is blurry, so regular exams are critical for early detection.

Myopia Management Options

If your child has already developed myopia, modern eye care offers proven strategies to slow its progression. At Oceanclear Eyecare, we provide customized myopia management plans that may include:

MiSight® 1 day - These FDA-approved daily disposable contact lenses are specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children while correcting vision.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) - Specially designed lenses worn overnight gently reshape the cornea during sleep, allowing clear daytime vision without glasses or contacts. Ortho-K has also been shown to slow myopia progression.

Low-Dose Atropine Eyedrops - Used nightly, low-dose atropine drops can significantly reduce the rate of myopia progression. They are safe and well-studied for pediatric use.

Soft Multifocal Contact Lenses - These lenses correct vision while providing peripheral defocus, a technique that helps slow eye growth.

Myopia-Control Glasses - Certain spectacle lens designs are engineered to reduce progression, offering a non-contact lens option for younger children.

Early intervention can make a meaningful difference in long-term eye health.

Protect Your Child’s Vision Today

Early childhood access to digital devices does not automatically cause myopia, but excessive near work and reduced outdoor time are important contributing factors. Because myopia often progresses more rapidly when it begins at a young age, proactive care is key.

If you’re concerned about your child’s screen use or noticing signs of blurry distance vision, schedule a pediatric eye exam at Oceanclear Eyecare.  Visit our office in Renton, Washington, or call (425) 970-3230 to book an appointment today.