How Outdoor Play Helps Prevent Myopia in Schoolchildren
According to the latest research data published in the journal Translational Vision Science & Technology, a 30-minute outdoor activity performed by schoolchildren aged 6-7 every school day during the school year temporarily reduced the risk of myopia in those children who at the start of the study had healthy eyes, i.e., were not yet affected by the development of myopia.
"Our study has shown an obvious link between more outdoor activity and a lower incidence of myopia in children," writes physician Yin Guo (MD), who works at the Tongren Eye Care Center in Beijing.
The study was conducted in Beijing, China and included 373 children aged 6-7. The observation was carried out for 4 years, from 2012 to 2016. Children underwent regular full ophthalmological examinations, including ultrasound.
The study was carried out in full accordance with the criteria of scientific objectivity, namely, children were divided into 2 groups: the one that performed various activities on the street (running, playing, etc.) and the control group, where children did not do anything similar.
Over the course of the year, the researchers found that children who were active on the street showed significantly less risk for myopia than the control group.
But later, 4 years after the end of the first phase of the study, children from the outdoor group showed the same statistical data on myopia development as the control group.
So, as Dr. Guo notes, our task now is to use this data to implement real steps that can reduce the risks of myopia development in primary school children.
Allowing children to spend more time outdoors is a scientifically proven factor that affects eye health and prevents myopia.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does outdoor activity affect myopia in children?
Research shows that outdoor activity can temporarily reduce the risk of myopia in schoolchildren aged 6-7. A study found that those who engaged in 30 minutes of outdoor play each school day had a lower incidence of myopia compared to those who did not.
What age group was studied in the research on outdoor activity and myopia?
The study focused on schoolchildren aged 6-7 years old. This age group was chosen to observe the effects of outdoor activity on the development of myopia.
How long did the study on outdoor activity and myopia last?
The study was conducted over a period of 4 years, from 2012 to 2016. It included regular ophthalmological examinations to monitor the children's eye health.
What types of outdoor activities were included in the study?
Children in the study participated in various outdoor activities such as running and playing. These activities were compared to a control group that did not engage in similar outdoor play.
Did the benefits of outdoor activity last after the study ended?
The initial benefits of outdoor activity were observed during the study, but four years after the study ended, children from the outdoor group showed similar rates of myopia development as the control group.
What should parents do to help prevent myopia in their children?
Parents are encouraged to allow their children to spend more time outdoors, as this has been shown to positively affect eye health and reduce the risk of myopia. For specific concerns about vision, consulting an eye-care professional is recommended.
Where was the research on outdoor activity and myopia conducted?
The research was conducted in Beijing, China, involving a sample of 373 children over the course of the study.
