Screens have become an integral part of our life. It’s used for our work, education, communication, and entertainment. However, prolonged exposure to these screens has raised concerns regarding their effects on vision health.
In this article, we’ll examine the current statistics and trends related to screen use and eye health.
Children’s Screen Time and Vision Health
The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommends no digital use for children younger than 18 to 24 months old. They also recommend limiting screen time to one hour per day for children aged 2 to 5 years.
However, a significant majority of children are exceeding the recommended daily limits set by the AAP.
- According to a study published in JAMA Pediatrics, 87% of children exceed the recommended daily screen time limits set by the AAP.
- A meta-analysis found that only a minority of children meet the recommended screen time guidelines, with 24.7% of children under 2 years and 35.6% of children aged 2 to 5 years adhering to the guidelines.
- Excessive screen time can lead to various vision health issues in children, including digital eye strain, nearsightedness (myopia), eye fatigue, and reduced blinking.
How Does Excessive Screen Time Affect Children?
Children with prolonged screen time exposure are at a higher risk of developing nearsightedness (myopia).
- One study found that excessive smartphone use is associated with a 30% increased risk of myopia, escalating to 80% when combined with excessive computer use.
- Children who spend more than 4 hours a day on screens reported higher incidences of eye fatigue, blurred vision, and other digital eye strain symptoms.
- Reducing screen time and incorporating regular breaks, proper ergonomics, and outdoor activities can help mitigate the risk of myopia progression in children.
Common Digital Devices Used by Children
The usage of digital devices varies among different age groups of children, with television, tablets, and smartphones being the most common.
- Television is the most commonly used device, with 88% of parents reporting their child uses or interacts with a TV.
- Tablet usage is higher among children aged 5 to 11 (80%) compared to younger children, with an overall usage of 67% among all children.
- Smartphone usage increases with age, from 60% of all children to 67% of those aged 9 to 11.
Digital Eye Strain in Adults
Digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome, is a common condition among adults who spend extended periods using digital devices.
- A study found that 60% of adults who regularly use digital devices experience symptoms of digital eye strain, including dry eyes, headaches, and blurred vision.
- Symptoms of digital eye strain can emerge after just two hours of screen time, according to the American Optometric Association.
- Spending more than 4 hours a day staring at screens can significantly increase the risk of digital eye strain in adults.
Screen Time Exposure and Myopia in Adults
Prolonged screen time exposure is also linked to a higher risk of myopia in adults. However, the risk isn’t as significant as in children.
Adults with high screen time exposure are more likely to experience a progression of myopia compared to those with lower screen time.
Incorporating regular breaks, maintaining proper screen distance and ergonomics, and using appropriate lighting can help reduce the risk of myopia progression in adults.
Digital Device Usage Patterns in Adults
The usage of digital devices among adults has evolved over time, with smartphones becoming the primary device for internet access.
- 97% of adults aged 18 to 29 own a smartphone, with high usage across all age groups.
- Desktops accounted for 35.7% of visits to U.S. websites in 2020.
- Tablet usage has increased over time, surpassing desktop computers in popularity among Americans.
Trends in Digital Device Usage and Vision Health
Nowadays, more people are relying on smartphones and tablets for daily tasks. The shift towards mobile device usage has implications for vision health, as smaller screens and closer viewing distances can contribute to digital eye strain.
Additionally, increased social media usage and video content can increase screen time, resulting in potential vision health issues. Here are some trends in device and internet usage.
- More than two-thirds of the world’s population now uses a mobile phone, with 7 billion smartphones in use globally.
- In the United States, mobile devices drove 61% of website visits in 2020, up from 57% in 2019.
- Gen Z spends around 7.2 hours daily on video content, with high engagement on platforms like TikTok and YouTube.
- The average person is projected to spend 143 minutes on social media daily in 2024.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Screen Time
The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a significant increase in screen time across all age groups, with children and teenagers experiencing the most dramatic increases.
- The pandemic has shifted more households towards mobile internet use, with more households having mobile data plans than wired broadband service.
- Children’s use of tablets and computers for educational purposes has increased, especially during the pandemic.
- Adults have continued to rely on laptops and desktops for work, although mobile devices are increasingly used for productivity.
As technology continues to evolve and become more integrated into our lives, it’s important to stay informed about how it affects our vision. By promoting healthy screen time and encouraging breaks, you can help maintain a healthy vision.
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