Sunlight is a free and effective way to help reduce the risk of your child becoming nearsighted.
Over the past 30 years, the number of children who have developed myopia (nearsightedness) has risen dramatically. Estimates put 40% of children between the ages of 6 and 19 to be myopic.
When the eye grows too long from front to back, then it becomes myopic.
Research has found that children who have severe myopia are at a greater risk of developing potentially blinding eye problems in the future including glaucoma, cataracts and retinal detachment.
While genetics do play a factor in the development of myopia, the dramatic increase in cases over the past few decades hints towards environmental factors. The marked increase in screen time and decrease in the amount of time spent outdoors may increase the risk of myopia.
Researchers believe that sunlight's increase in dopamine levels in the eye helps to slow the growth rate of the eye. Doctors suggest making sure your child gets adequate outside time and to also make sure that your child takes a 20-20-20 break from digital devices. That's taking a break every 20. minutes, and look 20 feet away for 20 seconds.
