The Relationship between Screen Time and Myopia in Children: A Narrative Review

Abstract Background: There are concerns that children are increasingly spending time on media screens like smartphones, TVs, and computers, and at the same time, the incidence and prevalence of myopia are also on an upward trend among children. Aim: This review investigated the relationship between screen time (ST) and myopia in children. Methods: PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and Google Scholar were searched on November 30, 2024. Studies were considered eligible if they were longitudinal, experimental, or case-controlled. Studies published between 2000-2024 in the English language only were considered eligible. Results: Seven longitudinal studies conducted in various countries met the eligibility criteria. Four studies investigated the prevalence, incidence, and progression of myopia before and after the COVID-19 pandemic. Before the pandemic, it was considered a non-exposure period. In contrast, during the pandemic, it was considered an exposure period because students were learning using digital devices, and due to home confinement, they spent more time on screen. The four studies found that the prevalence, incidence, and myopia progression increased significantly during the pandemic compared to before the pandemic. The other three studies were conducted long before the pandemic. They also revealed that ST was a significant predictor of myopia in children. Conclusion: All seven longitudinal studies revealed a significant association between ST and myopia development among children. Therefore, policies should be formulated to increase public awareness amongst parents regarding ST regulation for children