Outdoor Activities Decrease the Risk of Myopia

Submitted by Dr. Dean Dornic on Wed 03/11/2009 - 09:38

Spending 2 to 3 hours a day outdoors can significantly lower a child’s risk of developing myopia, according to a new study.

A child’s chances of becoming nearsighted, if he or she has two nearsighted parents, are about six in 10 for children who spend 0 to 5 hours outside a week, but the risk drops to two in 10 when outdoor time exceeds 14 hours a week, according to researchers.

Researchers also said that the critical factor for reducing development of myopia in children seems to be total time spent outdoors; both active and passive outdoor activities equally protected child’s vision.