iPad/iPhone's Screen Distance feature helps myopia management in children: Alert the user when viewing the screen too close. But it is only available for devices with FaceID.
Have you heard about Apple's latest update that may help you better manage your child’s myopia? On September 18, Apple rolled out a Vision Health feature known as Screen Distance for iPhones and iPads through the iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 update. 1 This release has been highly anticipated, especially among parents concerned about their children's eye health.
I was eager to update my son's iPad and take advantage of this new feature. However, I quickly discovered that Screen Distance wasn't available on his device. It turned out that only certain iPhone and iPad models equipped with Face ID, or the TrueDepth camera, support this feature.1
Undeterred, I borrowed my wife's iPhone 12 to give it a try, and I am impressed by its ease of use. In this article, we'll delve into why enabling Screen Distance could be helpful for your child's eye health, and how this feature could be protective against myopia progression. So, let's explore how Screen Distance can change how your child interacts with their digital devices.
What is the recommended screen distance for children?
The impact of excessive near work on a child's eyesight can't be ignored, as it may contribute to the development and worsening of myopia. Studies have shown that reading at a very close distance, 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters) can increase the likelihood of myopia progression.2
Recognizing the importance of maintaining a healthy screen distance, the American Optometric Association has offered valuable suggestions in their publication, "Eye Health Guidance for Screen Time." According to the guidance, when children use devices like smartphones, small tablets, or laptops, it's advisable to keep the screen at a distance of at least 13 to 20 inches (about 33 to 50 centimeters). For larger screens, such as full-size laptops or computer monitors, maintaining a distance greater than 20 inches (50 centimeters) is recommended.3
In general, medical experts advise that for near-work activities, like reading or using hand-held digital devices, it's beneficial to keep the material or to position the screens at a distance equivalent to about an elbow's length, which is approximately 12 inches or 30 centimeters.
What is the Screen Distance feature on iPad and iPhone?
In the latest iOS 17 and iPadOS 17 release, Apple has introduced the Screen Distance feature, which utilizes the TrueDepth camera found in iPhone and iPad devices to detect when you hold your device closer than 12 inches for a period and encourages you to move it farther away. This feature aims to promote healthy viewing habits, particularly among younger users, by reminding them to maintain an appropriate viewing distance.
Here's how it works: If your child has been holding their devices closer than 12 inches for a short period, a Screen Distance notification will pop up and cover the screen with an alert to encourage them to move them farther away. It's like having a virtual helper checking in and reminding your child, "Hey, you are too close. Keeping your device at arm's length can protect your eyesight." Once they've adjusted the device to the appropriate distance, a continue button appears, allowing them to resume their activities.
I can see that the pop-up could be a good deterrent from holding the screen too close. In time, good screen habits could be established through "operant conditioning"; that is, if your child doesn't turn the feature off out of frustration before then.
How to enable the Screen Distance feature?
Starting with iOS 17 and iPadOS 17, Screen Distance is turned on by default for children under 13* in a Family Sharing group. You can also turn the Screen Distance on or off manually by following the below instructions.5
1. Go to Settings > Screen Time.
2. Tap Screen Distance, then toggle Screen Distance for on or off.
* Age varies by country or region.
Which devices support the Screen Distance feature?
It's important to note that the Screen Distance feature is only available on devices with a TrueDepth camera (the same camera used for Face ID) and updated to iOS 17 or iPadOS 17 or later.5
In other words, you will need to have one of the newer iPhone or iPad models, usually ones that don’t have a home button on the front. This includes iPhone models after iPhone X but not the SE models. As for iPads, you will need one of the iPad Pro released after 2019 (iPad Pro 11’ or iPad Pro 12.9’ 3rd generation and beyond).
Takeaways
Apple's Screen Distance feature is a valuable tool for parents to help their children manage myopia. While it may necessitate newer devices, it provides an easy and effective means of helping your child manage their eyesight.
As recommended by medical experts:
1. Maintaining a screen distance of approximately 12 inches (30 cm) when using handheld digital devices
2. Encouraging your child to take eye breaks of more than 5 minutes every 30 to 60 minutes of screen time 4
So, let's make the Screen Distance feature your new ally in safeguarding your child's vision. Considering the upcoming holiday season, an Apple iPad Pro/iPhone that has the Screen Distance feature might just be the perfect Christmas gift, especially if your child has accumulated sufficient outdoor time.
(Learn more about Apple's Vision Health feature)
Want to stay connected on the newest happenings? Join me on:
Facebook group: www.facebook.com/groups/myopia/
Pinterest board: www.pinterest.com/clearsightcorner/
1. Apple. “iPadOS 17 is now available.” Accessed Sep 18, 2023. https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2023/09/ipados-17-is-now-available/
3. American Optometric Association. Eye Health Guidance for Screen Time. Accessed Sep 28, 2023. https://www.aoa.org/AOA/Documents/Healthy%20Eyes/Digital_eyestrain.pdf
5. Apple. “What is Screen Distance? Access Sep 28, 2023. https://support.apple.com/en-us/HT213862 .
Comments