Published 02 Jul 2025
What is short-sightedness (myopia) and how can we support our children’s eyes during times of increased screen time?
We've all heard the phrase to warn kids that 'too much TV causes square eyes’. Even though that’s not true, it’s a great reminder of the impact of too much screen time on our eyes, which has led to a rise in the need for glasses to correct short-sightedness.
GMHBA Eye Care’s optometrist Daniel Strachan explains what myopia is and how we can best support young eyes from screen time related issues.
Why do I need to know about myopia?
Myopia or short-sightedness is a common vision condition in which you can see objects near to you clearly, but those farther away are blurry.
Myopia has been gaining media attention recently due to the rise of device use, particularly by children and toddlers. We are seeing an increase in the number of young children becoming short-sighted, which is concerning as this poses significant risks for the development of different eye diseases later in life such as retinal detachment, myopic maculopathy, cataracts and glaucoma.
For this reason, preventing myopia in children, or at the very least keeping it to a minimum, is crucial in preserving vision through to adulthood. The good news is optometrists and parents now have a range of options at their disposal to help reduce myopia progression.
How can I support my child to prevent myopia?
Genetic and environmental factors will always impact a child’s eye health, but there’s steps parents can take to support the development of young eyes.
Know your own eyes
Genetics and ethnicity will play a part in the likelihood of your child developing myopia. If a child has one parent with myopia, they are three times more likely to also develop myopia. This increases up to six times more likely when two parents have myopia.
If either of these factors impact your family regular eye health checks should be part of your yearly routine.
Early intervention
The earlier a child develops short-sightedness the faster it’s likely to progress, which can often result in higher levels of myopia in early adulthood. Children are never too young to have their first eye health check, recommended to have at least one before starting school.
Limit time spent indoors
Children who become short-sighted often spend less time outdoors. It is recommended that children should aim for at least 90 minutes of outdoor time daily.
Lower incidences of myopia (and slower rates of eyesight deterioration) are consistently being reported in children who spend high levels of time outdoors.
Limit near work activity and have breaks
Regular breaks from screens are important for children to protect their vision but also help reduce eye strain. Prolonged screen time can lead to symptoms like sore eyes, headaches, and blurred vision - commonly known as digital eye strain. Taking short, frequent breaks allows the eyes to relax and refocus, helping to prevent discomfort and maintain healthy visual habits as they grow.
A good rule to follow is the 20/20/20 rule which involves 20 minutes of close work, followed by a 20 second ‘focus break’. A focus break is giving your eyes a break from focusing and could include looking at something in the distance like a clock on the wall or a tree outside.
How can I learn more?
- Read more about keeping an eye on kid’s vision, including eye checks and building them into your beginning of the year routine
- Learn about correction options for myopia
- Not used to getting your eyes tested? Learn more about what to expect at an eye health check
- Contact GMHBA Eye Care to book an eye testfor your child.
About the author
Daniel Strachan is a GMHBA Eye Care optometrist, graduating from Deakin University in 2015 with a Bachelor of Vision Science/Master of Optometry. Daniel enjoys all aspects of optometry but particularly enjoys the areas of kids’ vision and contact lenses. He is a keen sportsman with a big love of AFL, cricket, basketball, surfing and swimming. He is married with three children and a Border Collie that keeps him busy.
