Screen Time in the Pediatric Population: A Review of Its Effects on Refractive Error, Attention and Learning, and Ocular Health

Abstract

Executive Summary “Screen time” has become a topic of discussion amongst the scientific and medical communities in recent years with the marked increase of electronic devices in American homes. Electronic devices have not only become commonplace for the average adult both in the workplace and recreation, but they have also become a staple in the lives of children in communication with friends/family, education, and recreation. In optometry, this has led to many questions pertaining to the manner in which these devices affect a child’s development of refractive error, attention and learning skills, and ocular health. This review article summarizes some of the most recent research in the area of screen time as it pertains to the practicing optometrist examining children, offering recommendations on how to manage these patients and educate their parents on this current issue.