Every additional hour spent daily on digital screens—such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or televisions—increases the risk of developing myopia by 21%. (Image courtesy of Yonhap)
SEOUL, Feb. 24 (Korea Bizwire) — Every additional hour spent daily on digital screens—such as smartphones, tablets, computers, or televisions—increases the risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness) by 21%, according to a new study.
A research team led by Professor Kim Young-kook from Seoul National University’s Department of Ophthalmology presented these findings in a systematic review and meta-analysis published in JAMA Network Open. The researchers analyzed data from 45 studies involving over 335,000 participants, with an average age of 9.3 years.
The analysis revealed a significant correlation between digital screen use and heightened myopia risk, particularly when daily screen time ranged from one to four hours. Researchers described the risk increase as following an S-shaped curve: gradually rising with less than one hour of usage, sharply increasing between one and four hours, and plateauing beyond four hours.
The findings indicate that a potential safe threshold for screen usage to minimize myopia risk is less than one hour per day. Professor Kim emphasized that exceeding four hours of screen use daily could clinically double the risk of myopia, though recommendations should be customized based on individual children’s environments.
With projections suggesting nearly half of the world’s population may suffer from myopia by 2050, researchers stressed the importance of managing screen time to address the global health implications associated with severe myopia, including increased risks for conditions like macular degeneration, retinal detachment, and glaucoma.
“Our findings provide clear guidance for clinicians and policymakers,” said Professor Kim. “Understanding these risks can help shape educational strategies and public health policies to address the looming epidemic of myopia.”
Ashley Song (ashley@koreabizwire.com)
