Nearsightedness and outdoor time: Exploring recent studies and findings

Myopia: An increasing problem

Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming more common around the world. Currently, more than 30% of global population is myopic. This is especially true in societies where lifestyles revolve around computer work, instant reading, screens, and other applications that require eyes to work.

Research shows that subsequent use of screens and limited contact with nature may result in the development of myopia. This specifically concerns children and young people who spend more and more time in front of screens and less time outdoors.

Being outdoors and myopia

In recent years, scientists have conducted many studies to understand the effects of spending time outdoors on our eyesight. The results of this study are promising and suggest that spending time outdoors regularly may help control and alleviate myopia.

One key factor that can help alleviate myopia is the effect of natural sunlight. Studies have shown that exposure to bright sunlight can stimulate the production of dopamine in the retina. Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that helps control eye growth, and excess dopamine can lead to the development of myopia. Being outdoors, especially during periods of intense eye growth (e.g., childhood and adolescence), can help regulate dopamine production and prevent excessive eye growth.

Another important aspect of being outdoors is taking a break from working closely with your eyes. When we spend time outdoors, our eyes are focused on a variety of distant objects, which allows our eye muscles to relax after a long period of looking at close objects. This may help reduce eye muscle tension and relieve symptoms of myopia.

It is also worth noting that spending time outdoors promotes the overall health of the body, which can also have a positive effect on our eyesight. Outdoor physical activity, such as walking, running or cycling, can improve blood supply to the retina and support the overall condition of the body.

Conclusions and recommendations

Being outdoors can have a positive effect on controlling and alleviating myopia. There are many benefits to spending time outside regularly, both for our eyesight and overall health.

Here are some recommendations that can help maintain healthy eyesight and alleviate myopia:

• Spend time outdoors: Try to spend time outside every day, especially during periods of intense eye growth such as childhood and adolescence.
• Practice good eye hygiene: Take regular breaks from working at the computer or reading. Performing eye exercises can help keep your eye muscles flexible.
• Control exposure to bright sunlight: It's a good idea to take advantage of natural sunlight, but remember to protect yourself from excessive UV radiation by wearing sunglasses.
• Maintain your overall body health: Regular physical activity, a healthy diet and adequate sleep contribute to your overall body health, which can be beneficial for your eyesight.

Myopia is a problem that affects many people around the world, but we can take proactive steps to control and alleviate it. Being outdoors is one of the tools we can use to combat this visual defect. Therefore, it is worth investing time in contemplating nature and encouraging others to do the same to enjoy healthy and strong eyesight for many years.

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