Research shows that regular time outdoors reduces the risk of myopia, a vision problem that is on the rise worldwide.

Myopia, or blurred distance vision, is a growing problem around the world. By 2050, half of the world’s population may suffer from myopia.

Although myopia has a high rate of genetic heritability in about 70% of cases, it is not known why some children become myopic and others do not, even if they are born to parents who are myopic. However, it is known that myopia is one of the most common ophthalmological diseases in children. In addition to genetic inheritance, there are a number of other factors that lead to changes in children’s vision. Among them are listed the time spent in front of screens, as well as in front of books (writing, reading, drawing), in general, looking at close things. One of the causes of myopia is that young children spend too much time at home looking at objects up close instead of going outside and looking at objects from a distance.

How does myopia occur?

In a normal eye, the image is formed on the retina. When you look into the distance, the eye makes no effort. When you look closely, such as when reading, the lens protrudes and helps the eye form a close image. Well, with myopia, the eye, which has grown more than necessary, cannot focus the image on the retina, but in front of it. This is myopia.

All children are born with farsightedness, which causes them to see blurry both near and far. As the child grows, as well as the eye, hypermetropia tends to decrease until it reaches zero diopters.

The pandemic has increased the risk of myopia

Myopia is very common, affecting approximately 5% of preschool children, 9% of school-age children, and 30% of teenagers. But what worries experts is that its global prevalence has doubled in recent decades, and the pandemic has seen a clear and rapid rise in the rate of myopia.

Myopia is one of the eye diseases, which, if not detected in time, can lead to irreversible vision loss. Wearing corrective glasses does not go away, but may slow the progression. The most acute problem is children. Signs of myopia should be noticed by parents, especially since vision can be restored only up to 6 years.

Spending time in the fresh air reduces the risk of developing myopia

New research shows that the more years someone spends in school, the greater the risk of myopia. In addition, a meta-analysis shows that spending time outdoors can reduce a child’s risk of developing myopia.

This, although strange, makes sense. As children grow and change, their lifestyle affects their bodies. For example, a child who is malnourished may not grow as tall as he would if he had a better diet. A child who develops obesity in childhood is much more likely to be obese throughout life. And the eyes of a child who looks only at close things can adapt to this lifestyle and lose the ability to see far.

Myopia has real consequences. Not only can this cause problems during everyday tasks that require clear vision at a distance of more than a few meters, such as at school or driving. But people with myopia have a higher risk of blindness and retinal detachment. Problems cannot always be solved with a pair of glasses.

What can parents do?

• As a parent, make sure your little one spends a few hours in the fresh air every day. Here you will find 50 interesting activities that you can do with your baby outside, wherever you are: in the yard, in the park, at the sea or in the mountains. They’re perfect for keeping him away from screens, and for practicing looking into the distance, and more. It’s a great way to get them moving, socializing, getting optimal vitamin D levels and learning lots of useful life skills.
• On days when they have a lot of homework or the weather outside doesn’t allow for outdoor play, make sure you limit their access to screens and books. A break every two hours is more than welcome. Sit by the window and look away, remembering. Or you can try a game: count the green and red cars that pass the house. The one who sees more in 10 minutes wins!
• Have your child’s vision checked by an ophthalmologist. Most pediatricians perform a routine vision screening, but a basic screening can miss vision problems. Therefore, it is necessary to undergo a complete eye examination by an ophthalmologist. Experts recommend these checks at the age of 6 months, 3 years and before going to school.

Talk to your pediatrician or ophthalmologist if you notice the following signs in your child:

• The child sits too close to the TV or holds devices too close to the face;
• Squints or complains that he cannot see;
• It cannot identify objects at a distance (you can test this when you go for a walk in the park or on the street. Ask it to tell you some details of things at a distance!);
• Avoids or dislikes participating in activities that involve close vision (such as doing puzzles or looking at pictures in books, which may be a sign of farsightedness);
• Tilts head when looking at objects;
• He covers or rubs one eye when he wants to see certain things;
• Flowing eye (inward or outward).

(Photo source: Dreamstime.com)