Myopia Rates Climb Sharply in Children Using Digital Devices, Global Analysis Reveals
Iran: A recent systematic review and meta-analysis has highlighted the alarming rise in myopia (short-sightedness) among children worldwide, attributing a significant part of this trend to the increasing use of digital devices.
"Myopia affected 28.8% of children who used computers and video games, 35.4% of those who watched television, and 31.4% of smartphone users," the researchers reported. The findings, published in BMC Pediatrics, highlight screen exposure as an escalating risk to children's eye health, emphasizing the importance of early screening and limiting device use to prevent future vision problems.
The global prevalence of myopia among children has risen significantly over the past few decades, posing a serious threat to their eye health and overall quality of life. With the growing use of digital devices among young populations, concerns around the early onset and progression of myopia have intensified.
Given the inconsistent reports on myopia prevalence in children, Masoud Mohammadi, Research Center for Social Determinants of Health, Jahrom University of Medical Sciences, Jahrom, Iran, and colleagues aimed to provide a clearer understanding by specifically examining the global burden of myopia linked to digital device use. The study offers valuable insights to guide future prevention strategies and health interventions.
For this purpose, the researchers systematically searched PubMed, ScienceDirect, Embase, Web of Science, Scopus, and Google Scholar using keywords like “Myopia Prevalence,” “Children,” “TV,” “Computer,” “Video games,” and “Smartphone,” with no time limit until September 2023 and an update in May 2024. Study selection followed PRISMA guidelines, and article quality was assessed using the STROBE checklist. Data analysis, heterogeneity assessment, publication bias, and related evaluations were conducted using CMA software (v.2).
The key findings of the study were as follows:
- A total of 828 articles were initially identified through database searches.
- Following primary and secondary evaluations, 563 and 133 articles were assessed, respectively.
- After applying exclusion criteria, 17 articles were finalized for inclusion in the meta-analysis.
- The global prevalence of myopia among children using computers and video games was reported at 28.8%.
- The prevalence among children who watched television was 35.4%.
- Among smartphone users, the prevalence of myopia was 31.4%.
The authors identify myopia as a rapidly growing global health issue closely linked to increased digital device use among children. They report that reducing screen exposure could significantly lower the risk of myopia and improve children's eye health.
The study offers important guidance for health policymakers and urges families to prioritize early screening, timely diagnosis, and preventive interventions to protect children's vision and overall quality of life.
Highlighting the high prevalence of myopia associated with digital device use, the authors stress the urgent need for preventive measures and treatment strategies. They also recommend future research across different regions to better understand the long-term effects of digital devices on childhood myopia.
Reference:
Salari, N., Molaeefar, S., Abdolmaleki, A. et al. Global prevalence of myopia in children using digital devices: a systematic review and meta-analysis. BMC Pediatr 25, 325 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12887-025-05684-8
