Visual Abstract
Key Findings
Here are the key findings of the paper titled “Digital Screen Time and Myopia: A Systematic Review and Dose-Response Meta-Analysis” by Ahnul Ha, Yun Jeong Lee, Marvin Lee, Sung Ryul Shim, and Young Kook Kim:
- There is a significant dose-response association between digital screen time and the risk of myopia.
- Each additional hour of daily screen time was associated with 21% higher odds of myopia (OR 1.21; 95% CI, 1.13-1.30).
- Nonlinear pattern observed (sigmoidal relationship):
- Risk increased sharply from 1 to 4 hours of daily exposure (OR from 1.05 to 1.97), and then rose more slowly beyond 4 hours.
- Risk across different age groups and regions:
- Increased risk of myopia was seen in all age groups (young children, adolescents, and adults) and across various global regions.
- Device combination matters:
- The odds of myopia were higher when screen time was considered cumulatively across devices rather than individually.
- Safety threshold suggested:
- A potential “safe” daily screen time threshold is likely under 1 hour per day, after which risk increases more markedly.
These findings emphasize the role of limiting digital screen time as part of strategies to reduce the rising global burden of myopia, particularly in children.
Paper: doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.60026