In today’s digital world, screens are an unavoidable part of daily life; especially for children. From online learning and homework to entertainment and social interaction, screen time has significantly increased in recent years. While technology offers many benefits, prolonged and unregulated screen exposure can have noticeable effects on children’s vision and overall eye health.

Understanding how screen use impacts young eyes is the first step toward protecting them.

How Screen Time Affects Children’s Vision

Children’s eyes are still developing, which makes them more sensitive to visual stress compared to adults. Extended screen use can lead to a condition commonly referred to as digital eye strain, or computer vision syndrome. This occurs when the eyes are overworked due to prolonged focus on screens without adequate breaks.

Some of the most common symptoms include:

• Eye fatigue or discomfort
• Dry or irritated eyes
• Blurred vision
• Headaches
• Difficulty focusing

Unlike traditional activities such as reading printed books, digital screens introduce additional challenges. Glare, brightness, contrast, and constant focus at a fixed distance all contribute to increased strain on the eyes.

Reduced Blinking and Dry Eyes

One of the lesser-known effects of screen use is reduced blinking. Studies show that people blink significantly less when using digital devices, and children are no exception. Blinking is essential for maintaining a healthy tear film, which keeps the eyes lubricated and comfortable.

When children spend long hours on screens, reduced blinking can lead to dryness, irritation, and a gritty sensation in the eyes. Over time, this can make screen use increasingly uncomfortable and may even discourage proper visual habits.

Impact on Myopia (Nearsightedness)

There is growing concern about the relationship between increased screen time and the rise of myopia (nearsightedness) in children. While screen use alone is not the sole cause, prolonged near work—such as reading, tablet use, or smartphone use—combined with limited outdoor activity has been linked to a higher risk of developing myopia.

Children who spend more time indoors and less time exposed to natural daylight may be more likely to experience faster progression of myopia. This is particularly important because higher levels of myopia can increase the risk of other eye health complications later in life.

Blue Light and Sleep Disruption

Digital screens emit blue light, which can interfere with the body’s natural sleep-wake cycle. For children who use devices in the evening, especially before bedtime, this exposure can suppress melatonin production; the hormone responsible for regulating sleep.

Poor sleep quality not only affects overall health and mood but can also contribute to eye fatigue and reduced visual comfort the next day. Establishing healthy screen habits in the evening is therefore essential for both eye health and general well-being.

Warning Signs Parents Should Watch For

Children may not always recognize or communicate vision problems clearly. Instead, they may show subtle signs that something is wrong. Parents should be mindful of behaviors such as:

• Frequent eye rubbing
• Squinting while looking at screens or distant objects
• Complaints of headaches or tired eyes
• Holding devices very close to the face
• Avoiding reading or screen activities

These signs may indicate underlying vision issues or strain caused by excessive screen use.

Practical Tips to Protect Young Eyes

While it’s unrealistic to eliminate screens entirely, there are several practical steps parents can take to reduce the impact on their children’s eyes:

1. Follow the 20-20-20 Rule
   Encourage children to take a break every 20 minutes by looking at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps relax the focusing muscles of the eyes.
2. Limit Screen Time
   Set age-appropriate limits for recreational screen use. Balance digital activities with physical play and outdoor time.
3. Encourage Outdoor Activities
   Spending time outdoors has been shown to support healthy eye development and may help slow the progression of myopia.
4. Maintain Proper Viewing Distance
   Screens should be held at least an arm’s length away, and positioned slightly below eye level to reduce strain.
5. Ensure Good Lighting
   Avoid using screens in very dark environments. Proper ambient lighting can reduce glare and improve visual comfort.
6. Promote Regular Blinking
   Remind children to blink more often, especially during extended screen sessions.
7. Create Screen-Free Bedtime Routines
   Limiting device use at least one hour before bed can help protect sleep quality and reduce eye strain.

The Importance of Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye exams play a crucial role in detecting and managing vision issues early. Even if a child does not complain of vision problems, regular check-ups can identify subtle changes that may otherwise go unnoticed.

Eye exams can assess visual acuity, eye coordination, focusing ability, and overall eye health. For children with increasing screen exposure, these evaluations are especially important to ensure their eyes are developing properly and to address any concerns before they progress.

Final Thoughts

Screens are here to stay, and they will continue to play a significant role in children’s education and daily life. However, mindful usage and healthy habits can make a meaningful difference in protecting young eyes. By encouraging balanced screen time, promoting outdoor activities, and staying attentive to early signs of eye strain, parents can help safeguard their children’s vision for the long term. 

If your child is spending more time on screens, regular eye exams are key to protecting their developing vision. Book a comprehensive eye check-up with Dr. D’Orio Eye Care to ensure their eyes stay healthy and supported at every stage.

Toronto: 416-656-2020 | North York: 416-661-5555 | Book your appointment: https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment 

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Myopia continues to increase globally, with screen time and reduced outdoor activity. In the following sections, discover how pediatric myopia is detected and how to keep it under control.

What Is Pediatric Myopia?

Pediatric myopia, or nearsightedness, is a common visual condition that begins in childhood, typically between the ages of 6 and 14. This means that near things appear clear, but distant objects appear blurry. Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long in an anterior-posterior direction, causing light to be focused in front, rather than on the retina.

Almost every child in the world goes through it – 5% of preschoolers, 9% school children, and 30% of teenagers. Its rates can differ—Asian children have higher rates than other kids. Pediatric myopia doesn’t just cause blurry distance vision; it can progressively worsen and cause serious eye complications if not controlled early.

Signs Your Child Can’t See Clearly

1. The Growing Eye
   

   Children’s eyes grow over time, and excess growth can lead to myopia. Genetics and environment both play a role. Regular eye exams help detect early changes, allowing for treatment like special glasses or outdoor time to slow progression.

2. The Blurry Vision
   

   Pediatric myopia causes blurry distance vision, making it hard to see the board or play sports. Watch for signs like squinting, sitting too close to screens, or complaints about vision. Early exams are key.

3. The Progression Risk
   

   Untreated myopia can lead to high myopia and serious complications like retinal detachment or glaucoma. Myopia worsens with age—especially in childhood—so early intervention is critical.

4. Long-Term Impact

Myopia often starts earlier and progresses faster in kids than in adults. Early onset increases long-term risk. Knowing your family history and acting early can protect your future vision.

Why Is Myopia Increasing?

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is rising rapidly among children worldwide. It’s driven by a mix of genetics, modern lifestyles, and increased near work — all shaping each child’s individual risk.

Genetic Links

Kids are more likely to develop myopia if one or both parents are nearsighted, especially if both are. A refraction of -1.25 diopters or worse at a young age signals faster progression. While genetics plays a strong role, the rise in global cases suggests the environment matters too. Knowing family history helps doctors monitor high-risk children, and genetic counselling may benefit some families.

Environmental Shifts

Urban lifestyles mean more indoor time, screen use, and less outdoor play—factors linked to higher myopia rates. Cities like Singapore show faster progression compared to more outdoor-based cultures. Encouraging kids to play outside daily can help protect their vision.

Near Work Impact

Extended reading, homework, or screen use, strains young eyes and speeds up myopia, especially in early childhood, which can cause eye focusing problems. Following the 20-20-20 rule and limiting screen time can reduce strain and support healthier visual development.

Recognizing Myopia In Children

Myopia often begins between the ages of 6 and 14, but early signs can be subtle. Catching it early helps slow progression and reduce long-term impact.

Regular eye exams — starting as early as 6 to 12 months — are key. Watch for these common signs:

• Squinting or frequent eye rubbing
• Holding screens or books very close
• Headaches or eye fatigue
• Trouble seeing distant objects (e.g., classroom board)
• Sitting very close to TVs or monitors
• Avoiding activities that rely on distance vision

Early detection means earlier support — helping protect your child’s sight for the future.

Parents’ Role In Eye Health

Myopia (nearsightedness) is becoming increasingly common in children worldwide. It allows clear up-close vision but blurs distant objects, and if unmanaged, it can lead to more serious eye issues over time.

As a parent, your awareness matters. Watch for signs like squinting, headaches, or difficulty seeing faraway objects. Even if kids don’t complain, routine eye exams — ideally starting before school age — are vital. Children with risk factors, such as a parent with high myopia or early signs of rapid eye growth, may need more frequent visits.

Kids’ eyes grow quickly between the ages of 6 and 12. Understanding your child’s risk helps guide care and monitoring.

Encouraging outdoor time (at least 1–2 hours a day) supports healthy eye development. Sunlight and distance viewing help reduce myopia risk. While reading and screen time aren’t the main culprits, ensure good lighting and regular eye breaks during near work.

Today’s treatments offer real help. Low-dose atropine drops, and specially designed lenses can slow myopia progression safely and effectively. Combined with regular care and early detection, these tools help preserve your child’s vision for the future.

Conclusion

Children’s vision can change quickly, and myopia is appearing earlier than ever. The signs—like squinting or sitting too close to screens—can be easy to miss. Early action makes a big difference. Simple habits like regular screen breaks, daily outdoor time, and routine eye exams help protect growing eyes. Clear vision boosts confidence in school, sports, and everyday life. Stay proactive—book an eye exam today and consult your optometrist for personalized advice. Small steps now mean healthier eyes for years to come.

Don’t wait until symptoms get worse — early detection is key in managing pediatric myopia. Book a comprehensive eye exam with Dr. D’Orio Eyecare today. Visit drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment or call us at 416-656-2020 (Toronto) or 416-661-5555 (North York). Let’s protect your child’s vision.

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 1. Eyeglasses

Eyeglasses are the most common form of treatment for individuals with myopia. As they are a simple and safe option to correct nearsightedness, eyeglasses are often given to children with myopia. Eyeglasses are also helpful for individuals who do not have serious myopia. This means that you could choose when to wear them, such as when driving, sitting at the back of a classroom, or watching a movie.

2. Contact Lenses

Contact lenses are another common treatment for myopia. Some individuals believe that contact lenses allow you to see sharper than eyeglasses, as they produce a more natural field of vision. Contact lenses are recommended for children with myopia who play sports, as they will stay put, allowing the child to see the entire time. Although they are a good alternative to eyeglasses, maintaining the cleanliness of eye contacts can be a hassle. It might also be more difficult to convince your child with myopia to wear contact lenses.

3. LASIK Surgery

LASIK surgery, or laser eye surgery, is a treatment that is used to perform refractive surgery for the correction of various eye disorders, including myopia, hyperopia, and astigmatism. The main goal of the surgery is to change the shape of the cornea, so that the retina can focus better on the images, thus allowing you to see clearer. LASIK surgery can be quite expensive, so it is only recommended for individuals who have been diagnosed with high myopia, which is indicated by a refractive error of greater than -6.

4. Ortho-K

Ortho-K, or Orthokeratology, is the custom fitting of contact lenses for individuals with irregularly shaped corneas. Since myopia occurs when the cornea is too steeply curved, Ortho-K can help treat it. The contact lenses are often worn throughout the night, so when the person is awake, the cornea will be reshaped. Ortho-K is ideal for individuals with mild myopia, as the cornea reshape only lasts temporarily. This helps the individual get through the day without experiencing nearsightedness.

5. Photorefractive Keratectomy (PRK)

PRK is a form of laser corneal surgery similar to that of LASIK. The main difference between the two is that PRK requires the surgeon to remove the epithelium of the eye. Then, the surgeon will use the laser to reshape the cornea. The surgeon will provide the patient with a protective contact lens that covers the cornea until the epithelium grows back naturally and adhere to the new shape of the cornea. While both are similar surgeries, PRK may last longer than LASIK, so if you struggle with high myopia and need a fix for the long run, PRK is the way to go.

If you, or your child, have been diagnosed with myopia, it’s important that you talk to your optometrist to discuss the different routes of treatment specific to your lifestyle. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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1. Limit Screen Time

If your children use handheld screens, like tablets, phones, or others, you might have noticed that they bring the screen extremely close to their eyes, so the images are clearer. Although screens are commonly used today to occupy children, it’s important to limit their screen time to less than 2 hours a day. Screen time of more than 45 minutes without a break has been linked to myopia in children. When your child begins to sit in front of a screen, make sure to set a timer, so you can limit the amount of time they spend viewing it.

2. Increase The Time Spent Outside

With the increase in technology nowadays, the amount of time spent outside by children is certainly decreasing. While indoor play, without screen usage, is still valuable, outdoor play is crucial to decreasing the effects of myopia in children. In fact, studies have shown that spending 3 hours outside in the sun helps lower the risk of myopia. Make sure to monitor the activities your child is participating in and encourage them to spend more time playing outside.

3. Invest In Atropine Eye Drops

If your child with myopia begins experiencing eye fatigue, due to focusing too hard on an object, these drops can help them. Atropine eye drops dilate pupils, so that it can reduce eye fatigue, and therefore, can help control myopia. Although eye drops seem like a simple solution, helping to put eye drops in your child’s eyes might prove very difficult. If your optometrist has told you to invest in atropine eye drops, make sure to go over the process with your child first, so that the entire procedure runs smoothly.

4. Use Orthokeratology

Orthokeratology can also be known as Ortho-k. Ortho-k is simply the custom fitting of contact lenses for individuals with irregularly shaped corneas. For children with myopia, their cornea is too steeply curved, thus making Ortho-k a great option to prevent myopia progression. The Ortho-k lenses are molded specially, so that when it is worn throughout the night, the child’s cornea is reshaped. In the morning, the child can take out the lenses, and they will be able to see clearly without eyeglasses or prescription contact lenses.

5. Get Annual Eye Examinations

Although the methods above are great ways to prevent the progression of myopia in children, getting annual eye exams is the most important step. If your child sees an optometrist once a year, you can diagnose myopia, and other eye conditions, early on. Diagnosing myopia early into its progression is crucial, so the optometrist can provide myopia management or specific treatment as soon as possible. For instance, if you think contact lenses or eye drops will be too difficult to implement with your child, your optometrist might suggest that you purchase eyeglasses with specialized lenses, such as the MyoVision Pro lens or the MyoSmart lens. Lenses like these are a safe, easy, and effective way to reduce myopia progression in children.

If you have noticed signs of myopia in your child, it’s important that you take the proper steps to preventing any further progression of the eye condition. Booking an appointment with an optometrist is the first step to diagnosing and treating an eye condition, like myopia. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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1. Myopia

Myopia is an eye condition when a person is nearsighted, meaning that they cannot see far distances. Without early diagnosis, myopia can make school more difficult for children, especially if they are sitting far away from the teacher’s board. Additionally, observation by parents or guardians are crucial to diagnosing myopia in young children. To find out more about the signs and symptoms of myopia in children, click here.

2. Amblyopia

Amblyopia is more commonly known as lazy eye. If a child doesn’t use their eye adequately during childhood, they might develop a lazy eye. Amblyopia is formed when the brain doesn’t fully process input from one eye, so, instead, it overcompensates with the other eye. Amblyopia is the most common cause of vision loss in children, so early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent this. Some examples of treatment include wearing an eye patch or eyeglasses, using therapeutic eye drops, and in some cases, even surgery.

3. Strabismus

Strabismus is an eye condition that refers to the misalignment of one’s eyes. Usually, the eye will be turned inwards towards the nose, or outwards towards the ear. If a child has strabismus, it is highly likely that they will develop amblyopia. Sometimes children with strabismus will tilt their head, so their eyes can align, or they might squint excessively in bright lights. To improve strabismus coordination, the eye must be stimulated by using eyeglasses, eye drops, or an eye patch.

4. Pediatric Cataracts

Pediatric cataracts refers to cataracts in young children. Although most individuals associate cataracts with elderly people, cataracts can also be found in young children. Children who have cataracts might have developed them genetically, or through infection or trauma while in the womb. In pediatric cataracts, the lens of the eye appears cloudy, therefore, impairing the child’s vision. Based on the severity of the cataract, the child might need special treatment, including surgery to remove the cataract.

5. Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a swelling of the conjunctiva or eyelids. It is accompanied by pinkness, discharge, and an itching or burning sensation. Conjunctivitis is quite common in children, especially when it’s related to bacteria, viruses, and allergies. At such a young age, children’s immune systems are still quite weak. When it comes to conjunctivitis, it’s commonly contracted through daycares or elementary schools, as these places are often covered with germs. Teaching your children to wash their hands before touching their eyes is an important method to avoid getting conjunctivitis.

If you believe there has been a change in your child’s vision, Dr D’Orio Eyecare will find the most appropriate treatment for them, so they can go back to exploring the world with healthy childlike eyes. To book an appointment today, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416 656 2020 for our Toronto location, or 416 661 5555 for our North York location.

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1. Squinting Or Rubbing Eyes

The most obvious signs of myopia in children are squinting or rubbing eyes. As squinting helps to temporarily clear up vision for objects in the distance, it is a clear sign that your child might be suffering from myopia. Sometimes teachers are better able to recognize this symptom, as students might squint when trying to view the words on the board. Rubbing eyes is a similar symptom of myopia. Children will usually rub their eyes when their eyes feel strained or fatigued. It is also a response to nearsightedness, since rubbing eyes will help your child’s eyes focus better.

2. Sitting Close To The Television

If your child loves to watch television, make sure to pay close attention to their behaviours while looking at the television screen. If your child opts out of sitting on the chairs or couches that are placed in front of the TV screen, so that they could sit closer to the TV, your child might be showing signs of myopia. The next time you notice your child moving closer to the screen make sure to ask them if sitting far away made the images blurry.

3. Headaches From Eyestrain

Eyestrain causes headaches in any individual. Because of this, headaches are even more common for people with undiagnosed myopia, as people will often strain their eyes to view an object in the distance. If your child has complained to you about experiencing headaches, and you can rule out other factors, it is highly likely that their uncorrected vision is causing this.

4. Bringing Objects Close To Face

Another telltale sign of myopia in children is when they bring objects close to their faces, so that they can see them better. If your child reads books or plays games on a tablet, this sign might become more apparent. The key to identifying this sign in your children is to be an observant parent or guardian. The next time your child pulls out a book or tablet, make sure to observe their behaviours closely.

5. Covering Up One Eye

The last common sign that might indicate the presence of myopia in children is if they have begun to cover up one eye to view a distant object. Covering up one’s eye is a technique that is used by many people to overcome blurry vision. Additionally, for children with myopia, they might be more nearsighted in one eye than the other, so covering up one eye might help improve their vision in the weaker eye.

When it comes to identifying signs of myopia in children, being observant is the most important step! If you have noticed that your child is squinting, rubbing eyes, or sitting closer to the television, booking an appointment with an optometrist is the next step to finding out if your child suffers from myopia. To book an appointment at Dr D’Orio Eyecare, visit https://drdorioeyecare.com/book-appointment/ or call us at 416-656-2020 for our Toronto location, or 416-661-5555 for our North York location.

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What is Myopia?

Myopia is a vision problem that allows people to see things up close, but not at a distance. It is also commonly referred to as nearsightedness.

What Causes Myopia?

There are many causes of Myopia including:

• Hereditary factors: most cases of myopia are genetic. In fact, a child is three times more likely to be myopic if one parent has myopia and seven times more likely if both parents have it.
• Blue Light: the significant increase of time spent in front of screens, computers, tablets, and smartphones that give off blue light can be a factor in the increase of myopia. This is especially relevant in the cases of young children as children are often given technology that emits blue light in order to be entertained.
• Lack of outdoor activity: being outdoors allows vision to adjust to see far distances. It is important to have this sort of visual stimuli in order to develop this part of your visual capability. If children spend most of their time in front of a screen, they are not given this opportunity.

Preventative Measures You Can Take

• Limit time spent in front of a digital screen
• Practice the 20/20/20 rule with your child (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Invest in blue light glasses
• Increase time spent outdoors. Practice looking at far distances to develop sight
• Get your eyes checked regularly by your optometrist

Although myopia cases are rising in children, there is always something you can do to help treat it and/or protect your children from developing this condition. Visit Dr. D’Orio to get expert advice about myopia in children. Call us today at 416.656.2020 (Toronto location) or 416.661.5555 (North York location) to book an appointment.

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Myopia, otherwise known as nearsightedness, is causing many people (especially children) to have problems with their distant vision. This therefore affects other aspects in their lives and creates a much bigger problem than the already existing issue of poor vision.  These issues include performance in school, social development, and vision in everyday scenarios.

There are many things that parents can do in order to reduce their child’s risk of myopia. Here are a couple helpful ways to do that:

Let Them Go Outside To Play
Spending more time outdoors ensures that the eye is trained to see far. This is because it is constantly being used in order to see distances and be aware of surroundings. When a child spends all their time indoors, the opposite occurs where only their near vision is necessary and their distant vision does not get exercised therefore leading to the development of Myopia.

Reduce Device Exposure
Children often get wrapped up in their devices whether it’s their cell phones, tablets, computer screens, or TV screens. This is damaging to their eye health in many ways and significantly raises their chances of developing Myopia because your child’s vision is only required for close range. Ensure that your child takes frequent breaks from using their devices and get them instead to enjoy activities that encourage use of their vision for distance.

Visit Your Optometrist
Reducing your child’s risk for Myopia is as easy as visiting your optometrist regularly. Receiving regular eye exams allows your optometrist to monitor your child’s eye development and spot potential myopia before it becomes too great of an issue. If nearsightedness is detected, your optometrist will also be able to suggest treatments such as atropine drops, glasses/ contacts, orthokeratology, or any other treatment that they see fit. These specific modalities of treatment help reduce the progression of myopia.

If you suspect nearsightedness in your child, visit Dr. D’Orio Eye Care, optometrists in North York & Toronto, to get the treatment your child needs: 416.661.5555 (North York location) or 416.656.2020 (Toronto location).

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