A groundbreaking study reveals that just one hour of daily digital screen time can dramatically increase the risk of nearsightedness in children and young adults. Researchers examined data from over 335,000 participants and found a significant correlation between screen exposure and myopia development. The study suggests a potential "safety threshold" of less than one hour of daily screen time to minimize eye health risks. Beyond vision problems, prolonged screen use can also impact cognitive functions and physical health, highlighting the importance of managing digital device usage.
February 25, 2025
Only 1 hour of daily screen use can up nearsightedness risk: Researchers
Here comes
another warning for those who love to spend hours on digital screens. According
to a new study, spending as little as one hour per day on tablets or
smartphones could significantly increases the risk of myopia or
nearsightedness.
1-hour
digital screen time increases myopia risk by 21%
In the
systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis, a daily 1-hour increment in
digital screen time was associated with 21 per cent higher odds of myopia
(nearsightedness), according to the study published in JAMA Network Open.
The
dose-response pattern exhibited a sigmoidal shape, indicating a potential
safety threshold of less than 1 hour per day of exposure, with an increase in
odds up to 4 hours.
"These
findings can offer guidance to clinicians and researchers regarding myopia
risk," said researchers.
There has
been a surge in nearsightedness cases largely driven by an increased use of
digital screens.
The team
reviewed data from 45 investigations that looked at the association between
screen time and nearsightedness in more than 335,000 participants from toddlers
to young adults.
The
researchers said the risk increased significantly from 1-4 hours of screen time
and then went up more gradually.
However, no
association was found with exposure under 1 hour, suggesting a potential safety
threshold. The authors say these findings can offer guidance to clinicians
addressing the "myopia pandemic."
Recently,
industry experts in India discussed the role of technology and gadgets, which
are some of the biggest dilemmas faced by students, parents and teachers alike,
especially during exams.
Long
periods of screen time can affect the brain's cognitive functions. This is
basically because of the decreased attention span and prolonged screen time,
which often involves sitting in a difficult posture on the bed or couch.
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