How Excessive Screen Time Affects Children’s Eye Health

Louisiana’s Deputy Surgeon General is urging parents to take a closer look at how much time their children spend on phones, tablets, and other digital screens, warning that extended close-up viewing could lead to long-term vision problems.

Dr. Wyche Coleman says the issue goes beyond eye strain or headaches. He warns that frequent screen use, especially when children focus on devices held close to their faces, may actually change the shape of the eye over time. That change can lead to increasing nearsightedness, known medically as myopia.

Coleman explains that as the eye becomes more elongated, the retina can thin, increasing the risk of serious complications later in life. Those risks may include retinal detachment and permanent vision loss as children age into adulthood.

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Health officials say one of the easiest ways to protect children’s eyesight is also one of the most accessible. Encouraging kids to spend more time outdoors can slow the progression of nearsightedness. Coleman recommends at least one hour of outdoor activity each day.

Natural light plays a key role in healthy eye development. Coleman notes that even on cloudy days, outdoor light levels are significantly higher than what children experience indoors. In fact, outdoor light can be many times brighter than standard indoor lighting, which helps regulate normal eye growth.

Why Time Outside Matters

Research continues to show that regular exposure to daylight supports healthy vision in children. Being outdoors gives young eyes a break from constant close-range focus and provides light conditions that support proper development. This combination can reduce the likelihood that myopia worsens over time.

Health officials stress that outdoor activity does not need to be structured or athletic. Simple play, walking, or spending time outside with friends can all make a difference.

What Parents Should Keep in Mind

Doctors encourage families to be mindful of screen habits while balancing schoolwork, entertainment, and downtime. Limiting unnecessary screen use, encouraging regular breaks, and making outdoor time part of a daily routine can help protect children’s long-term eye health.

As digital devices continue to play a growing role in education and recreation, health leaders say small changes now may prevent bigger problems later. The message to parents is clear: when it comes to children’s vision, getting outside matters more than ever.