Evaluating the optimised font size and viewing time of online learning in young children: a multicentre cross-sectional study

OBJECTIVES: Near viewing distance (VD) and longer viewing times are associated with myopia. This study aimed to identify the font size and viewing time that guarantee the appropriate VD and pixels per degree (PPD) for children’s online learning. DESIGN: This cross-sectional study comprised two experiments. In experiment A, participants read text in five font sizes on three backlit displays (a personal computer, a smartphone and a tablet), an E-ink display and paper for 5 min per font size. In experiment B, participants watched videos for 30 min on three backlit displays. SETTING: The Peking University People’s Hospital in Beijing (China) and the School of Ophthalmology and Optometry, Wenzhou Medical University (Zhejiang Province, China). PARTICIPANTS: Thirty-five participants completed experiment A. Ten of them participated in experiment B. PRIMARY AND SECONDARY OUTCOME MEASURES: VDs were measured by Clouclip. The corresponding PPD was calculated. RESULTS: In experiment A, font size and display type significantly affected VD (F((4840))=149.44, p<0.001, ES (Effect size)=0.77; F((4840)), p<0.001, ES=0.37). VDs were >33 cm for all five font sizes on the PC, the tablet and paper and for 18-pt on the smartphone and 16-pt on E-ink. PPD for 16-pt on the PC, 14-pt on the tablet and all five font sizes on the phone were >60. In experiment B, VD increased over the four previous 5 min periods but decreased slightly on tablets and PCs in the fifth 5 min period. PPD was >60. CONCLUSION: Children demonstrated different VDs and PPDs based on font size and display type. To ensure a 33 cm VD and 60 PPD, the minimum font size for online reading should be 18-pt on smartphones, 16-pt on PCs and E-ink, 10.5-pt on tablets and 9-pt on paper. More attention should be given to children’s VD with continuous video viewing of more than 25 min. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: ChiCTR2100049584.