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Smartphone Use Associated with Refractive Error in Teenagers: The Myopia App Study
Clair A Enthoven1, Jan Roelof Polling2, Timo Verzijden3
1Department of Ophthalmology and Epidemiology, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands; The Generation R Study Group, Erasmus Medical Center, Rotterdam, Zuid-Holland, The Netherlands.
Ophthalmology
|July 10, 2021
Summary
Teenagers using smartphones for extended periods without breaks showed increased myopia. Low outdoor exposure exacerbated this association, suggesting regular breaks are crucial for eye health in youth.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Public Health
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Adolescent smartphone use is prevalent and may impact refractive error.
- Understanding the relationship between screen time and myopia is critical for eye health.
- Previous studies have not fully elucidated the impact of continuous smartphone use and outdoor exposure.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between smartphone usage patterns and refractive error in teenagers.
- To objectively measure smartphone use, face-to-screen distance, and outdoor exposure.
- To determine the relationship between continuous smartphone use and spherical equivalent of refraction (SER) and axial length-to-corneal radius (AL:CR) ratio.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional population-based study involving 525 teenagers (12-16 years).
- Objective measurement of smartphone use and face-to-screen distance using the Myopia app.
- Cycloplegic refraction, ocular biometry, and stratification by outdoor exposure levels.
Main Results:
- Average daily smartphone use was 3.71 hours; continuous use averaged 6.42 episodes of 20-minute intervals.
- Continuous smartphone use was significantly associated with more myopic refractive errors (SER) and increased AL:CR ratio.
- These associations were more pronounced in teenagers with low outdoor exposure.
Conclusions:
- Frequent, uninterrupted smartphone use is linked to myopia progression in adolescents.
- Low outdoor exposure amplifies the negative impact of continuous screen time on refractive error.
- Recommendations for frequent breaks during smartphone use in teenagers are warranted to mitigate myopia risk.
