Refractive errors, particularly myopia, are an important concern for school-age children. Digital learning and screen-based entertainment require families to pay attention to near-work time, posture, viewing distance and outdoor activity.
Screen time by age
- Children under 2: no screen exposure, except short interactive video calls with family members under parental supervision.
- Children aged 2–5: a maximum of one hour a day, divided into 15–20-minute sessions, with appropriate educational content prioritised.
- Children aged 6–12: around 1.5–2 hours of recreational screen time a day, excluding school-directed computer work.
- Children aged 13 and over: recreational screen time under two hours a day, with eye breaks after each hour of concentrated study or work.
The 20–20–20 rule and viewing distance
After every 20 minutes of study or screen use, children should rest their eyes for at least 20 seconds and look at an object about 6 m away. Phones and tablets should be held 30–40 cm from the eyes; desktop computers or laptops, 50–60 cm; and television viewing distance should be two to three times the screen diagonal.
Outdoor activity and eye examinations
Families should encourage at least two hours of outdoor activity each day, or 14 hours a week. A specialist eye examination is advisable when a child frequently squints, tilts their head, holds books or screens very close, rubs their eyes, reports eye strain or headaches, blinks excessively, tears, or is sensitive to light.
This English translation is provided for reference. If you notice an error or an inaccuracy, please contact the Vietnam Ophthalmology Society.
