How Too Much Screen Time Is Harming Our Kids’ Eyes — and Minds

In today’s world, digital devices are everywhere — in classrooms, homes, and even playgrounds. While technology brings convenience and learning opportunities, growing evidence warns us of its downside, especially for children.

A recent feature in Japan Today highlights the rising concern in Japan over device-linked youth eye conditions like myopia (nearsightedness) and even strabismus (eye turn). As children spend more hours glued to smartphones, tablets, and computers, their risk of developing vision problems increases sharply. Myopia is not just about blurry distance vision; in severe cases, it raises the lifetime risk of eye diseases like retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration.

But the problem goes beyond eyesight. Excessive screen use is also linked to mental health challenges — including reduced attention spans, increased anxiety, sleep disturbances, and social isolation. When children replace outdoor play, face-to-face interactions, and adequate sleep with screen time, their physical and emotional development can suffer.

So, what can parents do?

✅ Encourage regular breaks from screens (e.g., the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds).

✅ Make time for outdoor activities, as natural light helps protect eye health.

✅ Set device-free zones or times at home, especially during meals and before bedtime.

✅ Talk to children about healthy tech habits — not as punishment, but as a way to care for their body and mind.

By staying informed and taking small, consistent steps, we can help protect our children’s eyes and support their overall well-being in an increasingly digital world.

https://japantoday.com/category/features/health/feature-japan-focusing-on-a-fix-for-device-linked-youth-eye-condition