Outdoor Time Vs Screen Time: Eye Expert Warns How Lifestyle Changes Can Impact Myopia Risk

By Admin

03 Jun, 2025

With digital screens becoming an inseparable part of our daily lives, especially for children, eye health is silently becoming a major concern. Myopia, commonly known as nearsightedness, is surging at an alarming rate across the globe. According to estimates, nearly half the world’s population could be affected by myopia by 2050. Dr Bindiya Hapani, Consultant Ophthalmologist at Dr Agarwals Eye Hospital, Bengaluru, warns that lifestyle shifts particularly increased screen time and urban living are playing a key role in this growing crisis.

A Growing Epidemic

Myopia is not just rising in numbers it’s doing so with greater severity and at a younger age. Dr Bindiya highlights that the rise in myopia cases is linked to modern environmental factors, especially in urbanised societies. She says, “The projected surge in myopia cases is likely fueled by environmental factors prevalent in urbanised societies, with major contributors being increased near-vision activities and reduced outdoor time.” Currently, over 285 million people globally live with vision impairment, and 42% of these cases are due to uncorrected refractive errors like myopia.

Digital Devices and Screen Time

Over the past decade, the rapid adoption of digital devices has transformed how children interact, learn, and play. “As children increasingly embrace smart devices at younger ages and spend more time on digital screens, there is an urgent need to better understand the association of digital screen time with myopia,” explains Dr Bindiya.

Shockingly, children as young as two years old now spend up to two hours a day on smart devices. This early and excessive screen exposure has a measurable impact. According to Dr Bindiya, smart device usage alone increases the odds of myopia by 26%, and when combined with computer use, the risk jumps by 77%. Furthermore, children who spend more than four hours per week on computers or video games are eight times more likely to develop myopia compared to those who don’t use screens.

The Protective Power of the Outdoors

But it’s not all doom and gloom there’s a simple and effective solution: spending more time outdoors. Dr Bindiya says, “Evidence is emerging that spending more time outdoors can protect against the onset of myopia and possibly slow the rate of progression.” Research suggests that more than two hours of outdoor activity daily significantly reduces the risk of developing myopia in children.

Beyond Glasses: The Serious Risks of Myopia

Myopia doesn’t just mean needing glasses. Dr Bindiya warns that the condition is linked to serious sight-threatening diseases. “Myopia is also associated with other sight-threatening conditions including macular degeneration, cataract, retinal detachment, and glaucoma,” she explains.

One of the most severe complications is Myopic Macular Degeneration (MMD), a leading cause of vision impairment in high myopia patients. Around 10% of people with pathological myopia develop MMD, and in 30% of these cases, it affects both eyes.

Dr Bindiya further points out that:

• The risk of glaucoma is 50% higher in individuals with moderate to high myopia.
  
  

• The chance of retinal detachment is five to six times higher in people with high myopia.
  
  

• Patients with high myopia are 17% more likely to require cataract surgery than those with moderate or low myopia.
  
  

A Call to Action for Parents and Educators

This rising tide of myopia calls for immediate attention from parents, educators, and healthcare professionals. Promoting healthy screen habits, ensuring regular outdoor activity, and seeking early eye checkups can go a long way in safeguarding children’s vision. As we shape our children's future in a digital age, let’s ensure that their eyesight isn’t the price they pay for convenience.

Takeaway Tip: Encourage your child to spend at least two hours outdoors daily, reduce continuous screen exposure, and schedule routine eye checkups because prevention begins with awareness.