From school lessons to games and video calls with friends, screens are everywhere — and for today’s children, digital life starts early. But while technology connects and educates, the shift to more indoor and screen-based activities may be affecting something many parents overlook: their child’s eyesight.
An Increasingly Digital World
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated digital adoption in nearly every home. Screens became classrooms, playgrounds, and babysitters. But this digital leap has also brought concerns — especially for growing eyes. More time indoors and increased screen use are associated with a rise in childhood myopia, or short-sightedness.
Many Australian parents remain unaware of the issue. Research shows that less than 1% of parents of children under 12 recognise reducing screen time as a key action for managing myopia — and even fewer identify outdoor time as protective.
What Is Myopia? The Importance of Outdoor Play
Myopia is a condition where distant vision becomes blurry, typically due to the eye growing too long. In children, it tends to progress over time and, if left unmanaged, can lead to eye health risks later in life. The good news? Outdoor time plays a proven role in reducing the risk of developing myopia. Studies suggest that spending at least two hours per day outside helps regulate healthy eye growth and may delay or reduce the onset of myopia.
It’s not about avoiding screens completely — they’re part of modern life. But it is about getting the balance right. Just like we consider healthy food and exercise, “green time” should be part of every child’s daily routine.
What Can Parents Do to Reduce the Risk?
Knowledge is the first step. Many parents don’t realise their child could be at higher risk of developing myopia, particularly if one or both parents are myopic themselves. Optometry Australia recommends that all children have a full eye examination with an optometrist before starting school, and then regular visits as they progress through primary and secondary school, to help ensure good vision for life.
Encouraging more outdoor play, setting limits on recreational screen time, and building in regular breaks from close-up tasks like homework or gaming can all help reduce strain on developing eyes.
Top Three Myopia-Busting Tips
- Prioritise outdoor activity - aim for at least two hours of sun-safe outdoor play per day. Natural light and viewing objects at a distance help support eye health and reduce the risk of developing myopia.
- Break up screen and close-up time - follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet (6 metres) away. Good lighting and proper posture during screen use also matter.
- Book regular eye exams - don’t wait for your child to say something’s wrong. Annual visits to the optometrist ensure any early signs of myopia are caught and managed, and parents can learn about evidence-based treatment options beyond regular glasses.
As we embrace digital life, let’s not forget the value of sunlight, space, and play — all essential to helping young eyes stay healthy for life.
Visit www.childmyopia.com to learn more.
