The World Health Organization recommends no screen time for children under 2 years old and limiting screen time to 1 hour per day for children aged 2 to 5. These recommendations are based on alarming data: myopia in children has doubled in 20 years and is appearing at an increasingly early age.
Why are children's eyes vulnerable?
Dr. Langis Michaud, an optometrist at the University of Montreal, explains that the visual system develops physiologically until age 2 and neurologically until age 8. During this period, the eye is malleable and forms according to the stimuli it receives. Screens provide harmful stimuli.
Identified risks
Overexposure to screens can lead to eye strain with various symptoms: blurred vision, dryness, headaches. More concerning, the too-short viewing distance forces eye convergence, creating pressure that elongates the eyeball. Myopia appearing before age 10 is associated with increased risks of glaucoma, cataracts, and retinal detachment after age 60.
Recommendations
- Adhere to screen time limits according to age
- Maintain an arm's length distance from the device
- Prioritize television and computers over tablets and phones
- Encourage children to play outdoors 1 to 2 hours a day
- Consult an optometrist from age 3
Regarding blue light filtering glasses, independent research remains mixed. These glasses block only 20% of blue light, while built-in filters on devices are more effective.
To learn more about detailed recommendations and warning signs to watch for, consult the full article.
Source: Screens and Children's Vision in 5 Questions
This summary aims to be transparent and neutral. Disconnecto acts here as an observer of the digital landscape, without taking a position. We invite you to consult the original source for a complete reading.
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