For kids, playing outside is simply fun. It’s good for their physical health. Surprisingly, it also appears to be good for their vision.
Multiple studies have found that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop nearsightedness (myopia) than children who spend more time indoors.
One study found differences in two groups of students in nearby schools. Students who spent more recess time outdoors had lower levels of nearsightedness than students who spent more time indoors. If the children already had some myopia, it progressed more slowly when they spent more time outdoors.
Sunlight triggers the production of dopamine. That’s a natural neurotransmitter that can help keep eyes from becoming too long. When the eyeball becomes longer than it should be, it can’t focus correctly. It can become nearsighted. That means distant objects are blurry. Things that are close are in focus.
You may wonder if there’s a vision affect when kids are indoors looking at screens or books. A sizable study in the UK found no correlation between nearsightedness and time spent doing close-up work. However, lots of close-up work can cause strain and eye fatigue. Even though screen time may not cause myopia, it’s still better for your eyes to limit time looking at screens.
Nearsightedness is becoming more common in America. About 42 percent of people age 12 to 54 are nearsighted. That’s up from 25 percent in 1971. It may be a good idea for you to get outside with your kids!
Age |
When to Have Eye Exams |
|
|
If your child has no apparent vision problem: |
If your child is at risk for vision problem: |
Birth to 24 months |
At 6 months of age |
By 6 months of age or as recommended by a vision professional |
2 to 5 years |
At 3 years of age |
At 3 years or as recommended |
6 to 18 years |
Before first grad and every two years after that |
Annually or as recommended |
In this video, Aurora Health Care Optometrist Dr. Kent Haefs explains how eyes can be strained. Tami Radwill, executive director of Prevent Blindness Wisconsin, talks about the importance of vision screenings for children. Watch the brief video.
You can learn more about eye care online. You can also find the nearest Aurora Vision Center. On the “I’m looking for a location” page, under Facility Type choose Vision Center.