How Screen Time is Shaping the Future of Eye Health
10 July 2025

Screen time has a significant impact on myopia rates, especially among children and adolescents. Here are some key points:
- Increased Risk: Studies have shown that each additional hour can increase the odds of developing myopia by approximately 21%. This risk is even higher when it exceeds four hours a day
- Type of Screen Use: Different types of screen use have varying impacts. For instance, screen time from computers and televisions is more strongly associated with myopia compared to smartphone use
- Dose-Response Relationship: The relationship between screen usage and myopia follows a dose-response pattern. The risk increases significantly with 1-4 hours of daily usage and then rises more gradually beyond that
- Reduced Outdoor Time: Increased in screen usage often correlates with reduced outdoor activities, which is another contributing factor to the rise in myopia. Outdoor exposure is beneficial for eye health and can help mitigate the risk of myopia
Managing all this and encouraging outdoor activities are crucial steps in reducing the risk of myopia, especially for younger individuals.
At Birmingham Optical we offer the NIDEK Al-Scan M Biometer as a myopia solution for practices. The is a state-of-the-art optical biometer designed specifically for myopia management. It offers fast, accurate axial length measurements—an essential parameter for monitoring myopia progression, especially in children. With 3D auto-tracking and auto-shot capabilities, the device ensures ease of use and consistent results, much like an autorefractor.
The AL-Scan M integrates seamlessly with NIDEK’s MV-1 Myopia Viewer software, allowing clinicians to visualize axial length changes over time, track treatment outcomes, and make informed decisions. This integration also supports patient education by presenting intuitive growth curves and treatment histories. The device is ideal for practices aiming to expand into proactive myopia control, offering a reliable and efficient solution for early detection and ongoing monitoring. Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it a valuable addition to any modern eyecare clinic focused on combating the global rise in myopia
Find out more information here
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