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Time Spent Outside Affects Eyesight
October 15, 2008
Have you ever wondered why nearsightedness has increased since the 1800’s? Or why those coming from traditionally agricultural societies wear glasses less often?
A study of myopia led by Dr. Kathryn Rose of the University of Sydney, Australia, found that 12-year-old children who spent more than 2.8 hours per day outside had less nearsightedness than those that spent less than 1.6 hours outdoors and more than 3.1 hours in close work. Time spent outside, whether in sport, picnic, or work, appears to protect a child’s eyes from growing too long, which translates into nearsightedness or myopia.
Animal studies suggest that light causes retinal dopamine release which blocks eye growth. In addition to exercise and fresh air, parents now have another reason to send kids outdoors to play.[1]
[1] Journal of Opthalmology, Volume 115, Issue 8, Pages 1279-1285 (August 2008).
Topics: Health News