So, how does all of this screen time affect our eyesight?
Having gathered information on international online screen time, we were then able to compare it to data on vision loss in all of the mentioned countries. The results found that there is a clear correlation between more screen time and an increased rate of vision loss. As one increases, so does the other.
We also compared internet screen time with different types of vision loss, such as near-vision loss, blindness and differing severities of distance vision loss. The same correlation was present in each comparison, as rates of vision loss increased with more time spent online.
There are some outliers and exceptions on this list such as China, where few hours are spent online but rates of vision loss are high, and Argentina where the opposite is true. This suggests that while screen time has a tangible impact on our eyesight, it is only one of many factors that can damage our vision.
Vision loss affects around 2.2 billion people all over the world, and there are almost 2 million people in the UK with some form of sight loss.
Problems with eyesight tend to be more common in older people and are also more prevalent in poorer countries. However, people of all ages and backgrounds can be affected by vision loss.
Many outside factors can increase the risk of developing these conditions, and research has shown that visual impairment is much more prevalent in poorer parts of the world. Is screen time one of these factors?
Vision loss can be classified into two groups: Distance or Near Vision Impairment.
is when you struggle to see things that are very close to you, This is sometimes called far-sightedness, as only things that are far away are in focus.
While excessive screen time does appear to be a contributing factor in sight loss, it is not dangerous to use screens. Many other variables contribute to vision problems, and in today’s world, it would be very difficult to live your life without using screens at all.
Rather than cutting out screen use, focus on using screens moderately and responsibly. By taking just a few simple precautions, you can protect your eyes from unnecessary damage and ensure you can keep seeing the world as clear as day.
means that you struggle to see things that are far away, and is sometimes referred to as short-sightedness. There are 4 different levels of severity, from Mild and Moderate, to Severe and Blindness.
We used data from a 2020 study into blindness and vision impairment, part of the Global Burden of Disease Study, published by Lancet Global Health and accessed via the IAPB Vision Atlas. This data allowed us to identify rates of vision loss in different countries.
We also looked at data on the average time spent online in different countries, published by Datareportal in the Digital 2021:Global Overview Report.
We then compared the data on vision loss with the data on time spent online and looked for any trends or correlations.
The figures given for vision loss in each country are age-standardised rates of vision loss given as a percentage figure.
Bourne R, Steinmetz J, Flaxman S, et al., Trends in prevalence of blindness and distance and near vision impairment over 30 years: an analysis for the Global Burden of Disease Study. Lancet Global Health. 2020. Accessed via the IAPB Vision Atlas (https://www.iapb.org/learn/vision-atlas).
Datareportal.com - Screen Time Data
WHO - World Report on Vision
WHO - Blindness and Vision Impairment
Tips for reducing screen time: - Interesting Engineering
Good Housekeeping - How to Limit Screen Time
Iapb.org - Protecting Your Eyes at Workfigure.