Search interest in children’s prescription glasses has surged by more than 219 percent over the past decade, according to Google Trends data, reflecting growing parental concern about children’s eyesight amid increasing screen exposure.
The trend aligns with findings from Common Sense Media, which show that average daily screen time for school-age children has jumped dramatically—from around two to three hours per day to as much as six to nine hours over the same period.
Experts warn that prolonged screen use and near-focus activities may be contributing to rising cases of digital eye strain and childhood myopia.
In response, an eye-care specialist from Overnight Glasses has shared practical, research-backed strategies to help parents protect their children’s vision.
Prioritise Outdoor Time
The specialist highlighted outdoor activity as one of the most effective ways to reduce myopia risk.
“Children who spend less than one hour outdoors each day have a 30 to 40 percent higher risk of developing myopia,” the expert said. “Parents should aim for at least two hours of outdoor time daily, particularly on school days.”
According to school-based intervention studies published in BMJ Open Ophthalmology, spending two or more hours outdoors each day is associated with a 23 to 50 percent reduction in new cases of myopia.
Increase Screen Font Sizes
Small text on digital devices can place additional strain on children’s eyes by forcing them to constantly refocus.
“Using larger font sizes—ideally 20 to 24 points—helps the eye’s ciliary muscles focus more comfortably,” the specialist explained.
“Research published in Nanotechnology Perceptions shows that larger text reduces visual strain and improves overall visual stability during prolonged screen use.”
Avoid Dark Mode During Learning
While dark mode is popular on digital devices, experts caution that it may not be ideal for learning activities.
“Dark mode can cause pupil dilation, which reduces focus and increases strain during extended near work,” the specialist noted.
“Studies by researchers at Heinrich Heine University Düsseldorf found that reading in light mode improves accuracy and focus by 10 to 20 percent, especially during longer study sessions.”
Warning Signs of Digital Eye Strain
Eye-care professionals also warn that increased screen time affects natural blinking patterns.
“One study found that blink rates drop from 15.4 blinks per minute to just 10.9 as screen time increases,” the expert said. “This reduction is strongly linked to more severe digital eye strain symptoms.”
They added that spending long hours on near-focus activities, particularly without sufficient outdoor exposure, can raise the risk of developing myopia by 30 to 40 percent.
“As our reliance on technology continues to grow, it’s vital to adopt simple daily habits that protect children’s eye health,” the specialist concluded. “Healthy vision is essential not just for learning, but for overall well-being.”
