How gadget use can cause myopia

Have you heard of myopia? It's a condition that makes people see close objects much more clearly than far ones. Take for example playing a game on your mobile phone where you're looking at the screen from very close. This can cause myopia because your eyes have to focus up close, so it's easy to lose focus on distant objects before your eyes.

In fact, some people who use their mobile phones and computers for a long time without resting their eyes properly can develop myopia. But it's not all bad news. You can certainly reduce the likelihood of developing myopia by being mindful of what and how often you use your gadgets and taking recommended breaks.

Let's look into how you can reduce or even eliminate your tendency to get nearsighted as much as possible.

With the explosion in use of smart phones, tablets, and other digital devices, doctors have seen a corresponding rise in myopia.

Some experts believe that looking at digital devices may actually reduce your risk of developing myopia.

A new study suggests that prolonged use of digital devices may actually reduce your risk of developing myopia, or nearsightedness. The researchers found that the more time kids spent using computers, tablets and smartphones, the less likely they were to become nearsighted. The link was most significant among kids who spent more than two hours per day on these devices.

Some experts believe that looking at digital devices may actually reduce your risk of developing myopia. They say that spending time outdoors is a better way to protect your vision. But other experts say there's no evidence to support this theory, and that kids should still be encouraged to get outside more often.

Many eye doctors say there is no connection between electronics and myopia.

I’m a millennial and I have myopia. I have been wearing glasses and contact lenses pretty much since I was in third grade. My mom has myopia too, so it’s not like we’re an anomaly in the family. My dad doesn’t have it, but that doesn’t mean he wasn’t affected by technology while he was growing up.

The prevailing theory on whether gadgets cause nearsightedness is that they don’t — at least not directly. But as any optometrist will tell you, it isn't as simple as that. If a kid spends all day on their phone or computer, their eyes are going to be strained. And that strain could lead to myopia.

That said, there is some evidence that screen time may lead to shorter attention spans and less activity overall among kids — which could actually prevent them from developing more serious problems with myopia later on in life.

The american academy of pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for children under age two.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends limiting screen time for children under age two. Children should not spend more than one or two hours a day in front of a screen, including TV, computer and phone. Parents should follow these guidelines to help prevent myopia: • Limit the amount of time your child spends on electronic devices.

Do not let him or her use electronic devices for more than one hour per day when he or she is under age 2, and no more than two hours per day after age 2. • Encourage outdoor activities such as playing outside, going for walks and bike rides and having play dates with friends.

• Make sure there is plenty of natural light in your home and at school. • Have good lighting in the room where you work on your computer so that you can see clearly without straining your eyes.

In conclusion

So, can gadgets cause myopia? Of course they can. But there's no need to go out and throw away your smartphone or tablet just yet. There are several other factors involved in the onset of myopia and you should try to address those as much as possible before you worry about your gadgets.

By taking care of those first, however, you'll greatly reduce your chances of getting myopia in the future.