
A new report from the National Academies of Sciences suggests that myopia, or nearsightedness, should be classified as a disease. This is important because it’s becoming more common, especially in children. People that have myopia can see things up close but things far away are blurry. It’s not just a minor inconvenience. Severe myopia can lead to other serious eye problems, like retinal detachment or glaucoma. Classifying myopia as a disease means it will get more attention from healthcare providers and policymakers. This could lead to better prevention and treatment options.
Time Outdoors Can Help
One interesting finding in the report is that spending time outdoors can help reduce the risk of developing myopia. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine recommends between one to two hours outdoors each day. Natural light seems to be beneficial for children’s eyes. They get stimulated with light that is brighter and more varied. Being outdoors furthermore requires different eye movements and focus compared to when indoors. The report recommends that schools and parents encourage kids to spend more time outside, especially in natural sunlight.
The report states that “more research is needed to pinpoint the most important factors”. But there is already strong and unmistakable evidence that time outdoors “slows excessive eye growth in children and therefore reduces the risk of developing myopia” as researchers write.
What You Can Do
- Encourage older children to play outside daily.
- Go outside with your baby or toddler at least one hour per day.
- Encourage your daycare, nursery school, kindergarten and school to take the kids outside daily.
- Regular eye check-ups are also important.