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It’s always jarring when someone asks about your screen time, with your shame often feeling proportional to the number of hours you’ve spent staring at a screen.
A scientific study linking screen time to nearsightedness suggests that there’s some truth in the shame. While you can’t fix deteriorated vision overnight, vision insurance—and reducing your screen time—can help protect your vision.
Your Mom Was Right, Put Down the Phone
A study published in JAMA Network Open found direct ties to screen time and myopia, or nearsightedness, where objects close to you are clear but get blurry as they move further away.
After a meta-analysis of over 45 studies, including one with a sample size of 335,000 and an average participant age of nine, researchers concluded that just one additional hour of daily screen time increased the chances of developing myopia by 21%.
While you may feel proud for sticking to what seems like a “low” screentime of one to four hours a day, the study revealed that even that range carried a significant risk. The risk continued to rise gradually with more than four hours of screentime.
Mastermind Behavior, a behavior therapy service, revealed in a report that the average American has a daily screen time of seven hours and three minutes.
The study comes into purview as support for cellphone bans in schools continues to grow.
According to a Pew Research Center study, roughly 74% of U.S. adults support a cellphone ban in middle and high schools during class—an increase from 68% last fall.
You Have Myopia, Now What?
If you’re nearsighted, there are steps you can take to manage its symptoms.
For starters, correcting nearsightedness takes priority, and vision insurance can help cover the cost of contact lenses or glasses. Many insurance plans also include preventative annual exams, lens enhancements like anti-glare or UV protection and discounts on eyewear. However, vision insurance doesn’t typically cover LASIK, since it’s considered an elective surgery.
When selecting a vision insurance plan, consider your glasses or contact lens needs. Look for a plan with affordable monthly premiums, a wide provider network, coverage for annual exams and discounts on glasses or contacts.
Take a look at some of our top recommendations to find the right fit for you.
Source: Average monthly costs compiled for a 30-year-old California resident.
Next, consider taking a break from your devices and cutting down on your screen time. Not only will your eyes thank you, but you might find more time to invest in hobbies or spend time with your loved ones.