Myopia in the Digital Era: An Integrative Review on the Impact of Screen Exposure on the Vision of Children Aged 6 to 12 Years ^†

Introduction: The increase in childhood myopia in recent decades represents a public health challenge. Factors such as genetic predisposition, excessive use of screens, and less exposure to natural light appear with recurrence in studies, especially after the COVID-19 pandemic, when time in front of devices increased significantly. In addition to the visual consequences, research suggests impacts on neurocognitive and social development. Methodology: A review of studies published between 2019 and 2023 was carried out in scientific databases, including observational studies and meta-analyses on screen time and myopia in children and adolescents. Results: Research involving children aged 6 to 12 years shows that, in the 9 to 12 age group, 78.7% already had a smartphone and about 26% used screens for more than 2 hours a day. Meta-analyses indicate that increased exposure time to digital devices is associated with a more than doubled risk of developing myopia (OR ≈ 2.24 in cross-sectional studies and OR ≈ 2.39 in cohorts). Computers and tablets appear as the devices most related to the problem, while results with smartphones are less consistent. Factors such as less practice of outdoor activities, genetic predisposition, ethnicity and socioeconomic conditions also influence the progression of myopia throughout the age group studied. Conclusions: Current evidence reinforces that excessive use of screens contributes to the progression of myopia in children and adolescents. Prevention strategies should prioritize exposure to outdoor activities, limitation of screen time, and educational campaigns aimed at promoting eye health.