Parental awareness of screen use and myopia risk in children: a study among Turkish parents.

PURPOSE: In recent years, the prevalence of myopia in children has increased significantly, with increasing screen exposure considered a potential contributing factor. This study aimed to evaluate parents' understanding of the relationship between myopia and screen time, as well as general awareness of myopia in society. In addition, parents' knowledge of protective factors and treatment options was assessed to provide evidence for future preventive strategies and healthcare planning.

METHODS

A structured questionnaire was administered to 2,031 parents to collect data on demographic characteristics, children's daily screen time, types of digital devices and content used, time spent outdoors, parental concerns regarding screen exposure, and knowledge of myopia prevention and control strategies. Associations between parental awareness and children's behavioral patterns were analyzed.

RESULTS

The prevalence of myopia among children was 11.8%. A positive family history was the strongest factor associated with myopia, being associated with a 2.3-fold higher likelihood (p < 0.001). Each additional hour of daily screen exposure was associated with a 15% increase in myopia risk, whereas each additional hour spent outdoors was associated with a 28% reduction in likelihood (p = 0.002). Although 87% of parents reported basic awareness of myopia, knowledge of protective measures and treatment options was limited. In addition, 55.5% of children exceeded the recommended daily screen time. Higher parental education level was associated with greater adherence to regular eye examinations and more frequent adoption of protective behaviors.

CONCLUSION

Parental knowledge alone, in the absence of corresponding behavioral changes and supportive structural interventions, was found to be insufficiently associated with reduced risk of childhood myopia. Higher parental education levels were associated with better adherence to regular eye examinations and more frequent adoption of protective behaviors. These findings suggest that strengthening parental education, expanding school-based vision screening programs, and promoting outdoor activity at the community level may be associated with improved awareness and healthier behavioral patterns related to myopia prevention.