Do Screens Cause Myopia? What Parents Should Know
We often hear that screens cause myopia. But the science is more complicated than that.
A recent study from Singapore's GUSTO birth cohort followed children from early childhood to age 9 and looked separately at reading and writing time and screen time.
Interestingly, the researchers found that greater reading and writing time at ages 6 and 9 was associated with a higher likelihood of myopia, while reported screen time was not significantly associated with myopia in this study.
This doesn't mean that screens have no role in myopia, nor does it mean that reading is harmful. It tells us something much more useful:
Myopia is not simply about screens. It is about the child's overall visual environment and how much time they spend doing prolonged near work compared with being outdoors.
So I don't tell parents to simply replace an iPad with a book.
Instead, I encourage a healthy balance:
📚 Near work
Reading, homework, drawing and screen use
↔️ Distance viewing
Regularly looking away from close work
🌳 Outdoor time
Make time outdoors part of your child's everyday routine
👀 Regular eye examinations
Particularly if there is a family history of myopia or your child's prescription is changing.
The GUSTO findings are a useful reminder that we should look at the whole visual environment rather than blaming one particular device.
And for children who are already becoming myopic, healthy habits are only part of the picture. It is important to assess their eyes and discuss whether evidence-based myopia-control treatment is appropriate.
Dr Lee's Perspective
I often see parent who are surprised that their child doesn't not have a device but the child had become myopia.
I also see children who are on screens and are myopic
As a mother, I know that telling a child simply to "stop using your screen" isn't particularly realistic. But I can share with you tips on how to control it. My son is 12 and I have pratical experience.
I prefer to help families change the habits around the screen—distance, breaks, outdoor time and routines that a child can actually follow.
The goal isn't to eliminate near work. It's to create a healthier balance.