Remember how parents warned us kids to back away from the TV screen or risk ruining our eyesight—or worse, going blind? Intimidating, right? Turns out, there was some basis in the 1960s when General Electric TVs emitted radiation up to 100,000 times the health experts' recommended limits, as detailed in Scientific American. But what about modern screens? Renowned ophthalmologist Lee R. Duffner tackled this very question in the same publication.
Dr. Duffner, from the American Academy of Ophthalmology, states there's no evidence screens damage eyes in children or adults. That said, sitting too close for extended periods can cause temporary eye strain, resulting in dry eyes and headaches. Children are far less prone: "They focus up close without the strain adults feel." If your child hugs the screen, see an ophthalmologist—it could signal trouble seeing far away. Kids naturally outgrow this as they develop. To avoid issues, simply limit screen time. A Harvard University study adds another concern: more than two hours daily raises a child's obesity risk later in life.
Bottom line: Moderation is key for screens, whether for kids or adults.
