Can Screen Time Cause Lazy Eye?
December 27, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Screen time itself doesn’t directly cause lazy eye, which is a condition known as amblyopia. Lazy eye typically develops during childhood when one eye doesn’t develop properly, leading to reduced vision in that eye. It can occur due to various reasons, such as a significant difference in prescription between the eyes (anisometropia), strabismus (eye misalignment), or other factors that obstruct clear vision in one eye during childhood development.
However, excessive screen time or prolonged near-focused activities might indirectly contribute to conditions like amblyopia or exacerbate certain risk factors associated with it. Prolonged screen time or activities requiring intense focus at close range can potentially impact visual development in children, leading to refractive errors or eye strain, but it’s not a direct cause of lazy eye.
Children who spend a lot of time focusing on screens or near tasks might have a higher risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness) due to the increased demand for close-up work. While myopia itself doesn’t cause lazy eye, it’s essential to manage refractive errors and ensure regular eye check-ups for children to detect and address any potential vision issues early on.
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends guidelines for screen time for children and teenagers to balance screen activities with other healthy behaviors. They suggest limiting screen time and encouraging outdoor activities and breaks to support overall eye health and development.
If there are concerns about a child’s vision or potential risk factors for lazy eye, it’s crucial to consult with an eye care professional. Early detection and appropriate treatment of conditions like amblyopia are essential to prevent long-term vision problems and support healthy visual development in children.