24-04-2025
Irish children spend too much time indoors and on screens, Specsavers says
As Irish children are spending more and more time indoors, glued to screens, Specsavers are launching a new campaign to drive awareness of the growing issue of childhood myopia, or short-sightedness.
The campaign urges parents to take early action, with experts warning that too much screen time and too little natural daylight are key risk factors in the development of myopia, a condition rising globally.
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Myopia is a refractive error that causes distant objects to appear blurry while close objects remain clear.
Globally, the prevalence of myopia is increasing, and childhood myopia is becoming a significant public health concern, Specsavers said.
While concerns are growing about the potential impact of screen time on children's health, the specific effects on eye health may not be widely understood.
There is a general awareness that excessive screen time could be detrimental to children's eyesight, but knowledge of specific warning signs, such as squinting, headaches, or sitting too close to screens, may be limited.
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Chair of Specsavers Ireland, Kerril Hickey, said: 'Children's eyes are still developing, which makes them particularly vulnerable to the effects of extended screen use.
'The good news is that early action really can make a difference. Regular eye tests are vital in spotting the signs of myopia early and can help slow its progression.
'While passive screen time dominates children's indoor habits, with TV, gaming and scrolling topping the list, more traditional activities are in decline, like playing with physical toys and reading books regularly.'
Time outdoors
Specsavers said spending more time outside has been shown to support healthy eye development, yet many children are not getting enough daylight as part of their daily routine.
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Symptoms such as headaches and eye rubbing have been observed in children who spend significant time using screens. Other signs that may be associated with excessive screen time include eye strain, sore eyes, and difficulty seeing the board at school.
'Our optometrists see first-hand the impact prolonged screen use is having on children's eye health,' Hickey warned.
'We're encouraging parents to look out for early signs of myopia and to prioritise time outdoors, which has been shown to help protect children's vision.
'We want to empower families with knowledge and encourage them to take that first step by booking a free eye test, available for children under 12 in Ireland.
'One key tip to remember is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, encourage your child to look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. With myopia cases rising, early diagnosis has never been more important.'
