Association between smartwatch usage and myopia progression
Reviewed by Ivan Yip

This is a study exploring the association of smart watch usage in children aged 11–13 and myopia in a Chinese cohort of 526 students. The authors present data showing high daily smartwatch usage (>1hour) showed more myopic shift (-0.95) and axial elongation (0.47mm) compared to children using smartwatches for <1 hour over the period of 1 year (0.5-1hour/day: -0.29D and 0.25mm) (<0.5hour/day: -0.33D and 0.28mm). Total screen time and computer screen time were also associated with increased myopia. The authors discuss the need for research to look into the types of screens children are using and whether different screens have a different myopia risk. They acknowledge the need for longer follow-up and more diverse populations also need to be studied.

The association between smartwatch usage and myopia progression in primary school students: a 1-year prospective observation. 
Z Lai, R Ma, F Zhao, et al.
EYE 
2026;40:356–62.