THE INFLUENCE OF DIGITAL DEVICES ON THE DEVELOPMENT AND PROGRESSION OF MYOPIA: A REVIEW OF PATHOPHYSIOLOGICAL MECHANISMS, ASSOCIATED FACTORS, AND IMPACTS ON OCULAR HEALTH

Abstract

 This article aimed to analyze, in light of the scientific literature, the influence of prolonged use of digital devices on the development and progression of myopia, considering the involved pathophysiological mechanisms, associated factors, and impacts on ocular health. This is an integrative review with a qualitative, descriptive, and exploratory approach, conducted through searches in the PubMed, SciELO, and Google Scholar databases, including articles published between 2019 and 2026. After applying the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 40 studies comprised the final sample of the research. The results demonstrated a significant association between increased screen exposure time, prolonged near-vision activities, and reduced time spent outdoors with the development and worsening of myopia, especially in children and adolescents. In addition, clinical, functional, and psychosocial impacts resulting from myopiagenic progression were identified. It is concluded that the excessive use of digital devices represents an important risk factor for visual changes, highlighting the need for preventive strategies, ocular health education, and early ophthalmologic follow-up.