Association between digital smart device use and myopia: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Public Health
• Epidemiology

Background:

• Excessive use of digital smart devices like smartphones and tablets is a potential risk factor for myopia.
• The prevalence of myopia is increasing globally, particularly among children and young adults.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review and meta-analyze the existing literature on the association between digital smart device use and myopia.
• To evaluate the risk of myopia associated with screen time from smart devices.

Main Methods:

• A systematic review and meta-analysis of studies published up to June 2020, searching MEDLINE and Embase.
• Inclusion of studies investigating myopia-related outcomes (prevalent/incident myopia, progression, axial length, spherical equivalent) in individuals aged 3 months to 33 years.
• Categorization of studies based on the type of screen exposure (smart device only, smart device + computer, smart device + other near tasks) and meta-analysis of relevant data.

Main Results:

• 33 articles were included in the review, with 11 in the meta-analysis. Objective myopia measures were used in 40-100% of studies across categories.
• Smart device screen time alone (OR 1.26) or combined with computer use (OR 1.77) was significantly associated with myopia.
• Significant associations were reported for prevalent/incident myopia, increased myopic spherical equivalent, and longer axial length. High heterogeneity was noted due to sample size, age, and screen time variable type.

Conclusions:

• Digital smart device exposure may be associated with an increased risk of myopia.
• Limitations include the lack of reliable screen time measures and objective myopia assessments in many studies.
• Further research employing objective measures for both screen time and myopia outcomes is required to establish a definitive causal link.