It’s a common concern for many reasons including social skills, personality, overall health, but also increasing nearsightedness. The scientific community is continuously researching whether or not nearpoint stress can indeed contribute to myopia progression, but the consensus is that moderation of devices and outdoor activity are essential for the health of the patient while limiting nearsightedness. It has been shown in the research that lack of outdoor playing time has a strong correlation to myopia progression. Researchers have found that children who spend a couple of hours outdoors are up to four times less likely to become myopic.
Our message to parents is more green time and less screen time. Outdoor activity and exercise are fantastic for visual development versus sedentary indoor activities. This reduces risk factors for myopia as well as improves eye hand coordination, spatial depth perception, and eye pursuit skills. While it is inevitable that many children will gravitate towards tablets and computers, efforts should be made to reduce screen time when possible.
Kids who spend more time outside are less likely to develop myopia (nearsightedness)1 . Here are some fun activities to encourage outdoor time! As you and your child complete each activity, check off the box or place your favorite sticker to mark your accomplishment!
Here you’ll find information to help you understand myopia, its causes, and treatment options. To discuss myopia management, contact ForSight Unique Eye Care & Eye Wear at (912)483-6600 or schedule online.
If you need to reach Dr. Morrow after business hours please call our main office at 912-483-6600. Our voicemail will prompt you to dial #1 for emergencies which will transfer your call directly to Dr. Morrow’s cell phone.
NOTE: There is a $100 after-hours service fee for eye emergencies seen after normal business hours listed below.
Mon – Wed: 7:30am – 6pm
Thurs – Fri: 7:30am – 4pm
Sat – Sun: Closed