Experts warn nearsightedness in children is surging largely due to screen time

As screentime soars, experts urge families to prioritize outdoor play and proven treatments to protect kids’ vision.

Experts warn that myopia is surging among children nationwide, largely driven by too much screen time and not enough time spent outdoors. But simple steps this summer could help protect their vision.

Childhood myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming a national health concern, with rates expected to double in the next few years and affect half of all children by 2030.

“Research shows that outdoor time can be a protective factor in delaying or preventing the onset of myopia. So it’s recommended that children get one in a half to two hours a day of outdoor play to really get this benefit,” said Dr. Felicia Timmerman, pediatric optometrist at Coopervision.

Eye care experts point to an increasingly indoor, screen-based lifestyle as a key driver of the surge.

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