Excessive Screen Time Linked to Rising Rates of Nearsightedness, Study Warns

In today’s digital age, screen time has become an inseparable part of our daily lives. However, a large-scale study ffinds that even one hour of daily screen exposure may significantly increase the risk of nearsightedness and serious eye issues.

Published in the prestigious medical journal JAMA, the study analyzed 45 research papers involving over 335,000 participants. Researchers found that each additional hour of screen time raised the risk of myopia (nearsightedness) by 21%. Those exposed to just one hour per day had a 5% higher risk of developing the condition, while those with four hours of daily screen time faced nearly double the risk.

Experts warn that this is due to prolonged strain on the eye, which can lead to irreversible physiological changes. Extended screen exposure causes the eyeball to elongate, disrupting normal visual development, especially in children and teenagers.

According to estimates, by 2050, half the global population may suffer from nearsightedness. Researchers urge people to significantly reduce screen time, incorporate regular breaks, and maintain a proper viewing distance to minimize potential damage.

Previous studies have also linked excessive screen use to chronic fatigue, headaches, and concentration problems.