E-POSTER DETAIL | 11th Asia Pacific Tele Ophthalmology Society Symposium

Title
Association between screen use and myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Authors
Nuo Ren, Yimin Qin, Shiran Zhang, Xiaotong Han

Presenting
Nuo Ren

PURPOSE:
Myopia has emerged as a significant public health issue. There is growing concern but inconsistent evidence regarding the impact of screen use on the risk of myopia.

METHODS:
This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025640129). We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for studies published from January 1, 2015, to December 26, 2024. Observational studies investigating the association between screen use (duration, device type, viewing distance, age at first exposure) and myopia (prevalence, incidence, progression) were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models.

METHODS:

This systematic review and meta-analysis followed PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42025640129). We systematically searched PubMed and Embase for studies published from January 1, 2015, to December 26, 2024. Observational studies investigating the association between screen use (duration, device type, viewing distance, age at first exposure) and myopia (prevalence, incidence, progression) were included. Pooled odds ratios (ORs) were calculated using fixed- or random-effects models.

RESULTS:
65 studies were included in the systematic review, with 34 eligible for meta-analysis. Longer screen time was significantly associated with higher odds of myopia prevalence (OR = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.54) and myopia progression (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04–1.78). Device-specific analyses revealed significant associations for computer use (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.07–1.43) and television viewing (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.11–2.17) with myopia prevalence, while findings for smartphones and tablets were inconsistent. Earlier age at first screen exposure and shorter viewing distances were associated with increased myopia risk.

RESULTS:

65 studies were included in the systematic review, with 34 eligible for meta-analysis. Longer screen time was significantly associated with higher odds of myopia prevalence (OR = 1.35, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.17–1.54) and myopia progression (OR = 1.36, 95% CI: 1.04–1.78). Device-specific analyses revealed significant associations for computer use (OR = 1.24, 95% CI: 1.07–1.43) and television viewing (OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.11–2.17) with myopia prevalence, while findings for smartphones and tablets were inconsistent. Earlier age at first screen exposure and shorter viewing distances were associated with increased myopia risk.

CONCLUSIONS:
This comprehensive synthesis demonstrates that screen use, particularly prolonged exposure and specific device types, is significantly associated with an increased risk of myopia. These findings underscore the importance of limiting screen time, especially among young children.