Outdoor time, screens and children’s eyes
Short-sightedness (myopia) has become much more common in children in many parts of the world over the past few decades. Researchers have spent a lot of time looking at why, and two themes keep coming up: time outdoors and long stretches of close-up focus.
Daylight seems to matter
Studies have repeatedly found that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to become short-sighted. Many eye-care organisations now suggest that kids get around two hours outside each day. It doesn’t need to be sport; simply being outdoors in daylight appears to be what counts.
Breaks from close-up work
Reading, homework and screens all involve focusing up close for long periods. A simple habit many optometrists recommend is the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something about 20 feet (6 metres) away for 20 seconds.
- Hold books and devices at a comfortable distance rather than very close to the face.
- Use good lighting for reading and homework.
- Build regular breaks into gaming and screen time.
Myopia management
For children who are already short-sighted and getting worse each year, there are now treatments aimed at slowing that progression, including special spectacle lenses, certain contact lenses and eye drops. Whether any of these are right for your child is a conversation to have with your eye-care professional.