Myopia in children and electronic devices

21 December 2020

Myopia (poor distance vision) can be hereditary or caused. Currently, excessive use of devices in children could be a cause of myopia. Visual effort, time of use and the distance at which electronic devices are used influence the effect on vision.

When an object is focused very closely, the focusing lens in the eye contracts and produces a myopia position. Being constantly in this position, in the long term, permanent myopia could be generated. This happens as the eye's growth system understands that we need to be myopic.

The child between two and four years old should not exceed one hour a day of appliance use. After five years it is not recommended more than two hours a day. Periodic vision breaks are also important.

It is important to take the child for regular ophthalmological evaluations, as this is the only way to detect a vision problem early.