Children are spending seven to eight hours annually on digital devices, a significant portion of their daily screen time, as per Dr. Bryce Appelbaum, a board-certified optometrist. He attributes the prevalence of screen time to the rise of digital technology, which has become a dominant force in modern life. However, this device, as he puts it, is not avoiding developmental and emotional challenges. Appelbaum highlights that screen time negatively impacts not only cognitive functions but also vision development, contributing to increased behavioral issues. The brain often focuses on functional vision, likening it to visualizing objects in the dark, while also viewing digital screens, which can approximate textual input. This dual reliance exacerbates symptoms associated with ADHD and nearsightedness.
Appelbaum notes that screen engagement engages a different set of inner eye muscles compared to activities requiring three-dimensional visualization. These muscles, designed for tasking over an extended period, strain and become fatigued when screen time is in excess. Children with limited brain development and vision need to control their focus better, leading to vision systems that are rigid and prone to inflexibility. This can result in difficulties in coordination, leading to behaviors similar to ADHD orau Tibet and issues with interpersonal relationships, as focusing becomes a passive process.
To protect vision from screen time, Appelbaum advocates against limiting this activity, recommending alternatives like adjusting routines and incorporating regular movement. He also suggests using blinking and vision breaks to enhance contrast and improve task performance. Dr. Appelbaum clarifies that the brain’s adaptation to visual input is akin to reading print, requiring careful attention to eye movements along a page. With screens, users must integrate information from near to far, whereas reading posts requires sequence awareness.
In response to the growing issue of screen time, he suggests that reduced daily screen time can mitigate these effects. A 2024 study supports this, indicating that parent-child interactions improve emotional well-being beyond screen time management. The role of digital performance lenses, which aid in accessing vision function, is also a key point. By training to optimize visual processing, screens can be seen as less stressful, reducing vision-related challenges.
Appelbaum argues that the failure to manage screen time often stems from limiting active engagement, instead of viewing pages. He encourages parents to focus on their role in delaying screen use for younger children and supporting physical activity, which aids in gameplay and improves eye health. He emphasizes the importance of maintaining visual versatility and behavioral compensation to ensure a healthy relationship with screens. By promoting these changes, children can develop a visual foundation that supports their electronic world effectively.
