How Much Screen Time Is OK for Myopia?
Understanding the Link Between Screen Time and Myopia
Myopia—aka nearsightedness—has been on the rise big time, and yeah, screens are a major suspect. But it’s not just about the number of hours. It’s about how, when, and what you do during those hours.
Staring at screens for long periods without breaks puts a real strain on your eyes, especially if you're already myopic or at risk (like kids with myopic parents, for example). The problem isn’t just the screen—it’s the lack of distance and outdoor light.
Recommended Screen Time for Myopic Eyes
For Children and Teenagers
Ah, the tough one. Kids are glued to tablets and phones, but here’s what the experts say:
Children under 2: No screen time at all. Zéro.
Ages 2–5: Max 1 hour per day, with breaks.
Ages 6–18: No more than 2 hours/day of recreational screen time.
Now, school stuff doesn’t count the same, but it should still be managed. The 20-20-20 rule helps: every 20 minutes, look 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Doesn’t sound like much? Trust me, it’s gold for your eyes.
For Adults
Adults with myopia? It’s complicated. Work, Zoom, doomscrolling on Twitter... it's a lot. But ideally:
Try to limit non-essential screen time to under 3 hours/day.
Breaks every 30 minutes—stand up, stretch, blink like you mean it.
Anecdote time: I once went 9 hours straight coding on dual screens with only two coffee breaks. Woke up the next day, and everything was blurry till noon. Never again.
What Happens If You Overdo It?
Short-Term Symptoms
Dry eyes (obviously)
Headaches (the annoying, behind-the-eyes kind)
Blurred distance vision (this one’s sneaky)
Your eyes just get tired, and they’ll let you know. Problem is, we often ignore it.
Long-Term Effects on Myopia
Too much near work (like reading close-up or screen use) is strongly linked to the progression of myopia, especially in kids. There are studies from Asia—where myopia rates are sky-high—that show outdoor time is a key counterbalance.
So ironically, the solution isn’t in your phone’s blue light filter—it’s probably in your backyard.
How to Use Screens Without Hurting Your Eyes
Adjust Your Environment
Proper lighting: Avoid using screens in pitch dark rooms.
Screen distance: Keep it at least an arm’s length away.
Font size: Big enough so you’re not squinting like you’re decoding hieroglyphs.
Take Breaks That Actually Count
Don’t just look away—walk, go outside, look at trees, birds, clouds. Your eyes need that kind of variety. Focusing on far distances helps relax the ciliary muscles, those tiny guys inside your eye that get overworked.
Outdoor Time: The Secret Weapon
Studies (from places like Singapore and Australia) consistently show that 2 hours of outdoor time per day slows myopia progression in kids. Natural light, wide focus range—your eyes love it.
Even on cloudy days, outdoor light trumps any kind of indoor exposure. It’s wild how something so simple can be so powerful.
Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just About the Numbers
You can’t exactly time your screen use with a stopwatch and hope for the best. What really matters is how balanced your day is. Mix in some movement, some sunlight, blink often, and don’t forget: your eyes weren’t made to stare at pixels all day.
So yeah—screen time can be okay. Just… not too much, not too close, and not without breaks. Simple? Kind of. Easy? Not always. Worth it? Definitely.
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Is 172 cm good for a man?
Yes it is. Average height of male in India is 166.3 cm (i.e. 5 ft 5.5 inches) while for female it is 152.6 cm (i.e. 5 ft) approximately. So, as far as your question is concerned, aforesaid height is above average in both cases.
Is 165 cm normal for a 15 year old?
The predicted height for a female, based on your parents heights, is 155 to 165cm. Most 15 year old girls are nearly done growing. I was too. It's a very normal height for a girl.
Is 160 cm too tall for a 12 year old?
How Tall Should a 12 Year Old Be? We can only speak to national average heights here in North America, whereby, a 12 year old girl would be between 137 cm to 162 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/3 feet). A 12 year old boy should be between 137 cm to 160 cm tall (4-1/2 to 5-1/4 feet).
How tall is a average 15 year old?
Average Height to Weight for Teenage Boys - 13 to 20 Years
| Male Teens: 13 - 20 Years) | ||
|---|---|---|
| 14 Years | 112.0 lb. (50.8 kg) | 64.5" (163.8 cm) |
| 15 Years | 123.5 lb. (56.02 kg) | 67.0" (170.1 cm) |
| 16 Years | 134.0 lb. (60.78 kg) | 68.3" (173.4 cm) |
| 17 Years | 142.0 lb. (64.41 kg) | 69.0" (175.2 cm) |
How to get taller at 18?
Staying physically active is even more essential from childhood to grow and improve overall health. But taking it up even in adulthood can help you add a few inches to your height. Strength-building exercises, yoga, jumping rope, and biking all can help to increase your flexibility and grow a few inches taller.
Is 5.7 a good height for a 15 year old boy?
Generally speaking, the average height for 15 year olds girls is 62.9 inches (or 159.7 cm). On the other hand, teen boys at the age of 15 have a much higher average height, which is 67.0 inches (or 170.1 cm).
Can you grow between 16 and 18?
Most girls stop growing taller by age 14 or 15. However, after their early teenage growth spurt, boys continue gaining height at a gradual pace until around 18. Note that some kids will stop growing earlier and others may keep growing a year or two more.
Can you grow 1 cm after 17?
Even with a healthy diet, most people's height won't increase after age 18 to 20. The graph below shows the rate of growth from birth to age 20. As you can see, the growth lines fall to zero between ages 18 and 20 ( 7 , 8 ). The reason why your height stops increasing is your bones, specifically your growth plates.