Myopia, a common refractive error that causes blurred distance vision, has become a growing concern around the world. Although genetic predisposition is an important factor, recent studies have pointed to a significant association between increased screen time and the development of myopia, especially in children and adolescents (RODRIGUES, 2022).
The modern lifestyle, with the excessive use of electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets and computers, has been identified as one of the main drivers of this “myopia epidemic”. Prolonged exposure to the blue light emitted by these devices, combined with a lack of outdoor activities and natural light, can contribute to the stretching of the eyeball and the development of myopia.
Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic, which has forced many people to spend more time at home and in front of screens, appears to have exacerbated this problem. Studies have reported a significant increase in cases of myopia in children and adults during this period.
Myopia is not only a visual inconvenience, but it can also increase the risk of other serious eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and cataracts. Therefore, it is essential that parents, educators and health professionals are aware of the risks of excessive use of screens and encourage outdoor activities and healthy visual habits.
Although myopia has no cure, its progression can be slowed with preventive measures, such as the use of low-dose atropine eye drops, orthokeratology, and increasing time outdoors. Raising awareness about the risks of excessive screen use and adopting healthy habits are crucial to protecting the visual health of future generations.
Reference :
RODRIGUES, Fabiano de Abreu Agrela. Excessive and premature use of screens increases the proportion of myopia cases. Ciencia Latina Multidisciplinary Scientific Journal, v. 6, no. 6, p. 1779-1788, 2022.
© Getty Images I Via Unsplash
