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Can Outdoor Play Improve Children's Eyesight?
At EyeCare Associates, we’ve noticed a troubling rise in childhood myopia—commonly known as nearsightedness. And we’re not alone. Back in the 1970s, about 25% of people in the U.S. were diagnosed as nearsighted. Today, that number has climbed to around 42%, and global health experts are sounding the alarm. The World Health Organization estimates that by 2050, nearly half of the world’s population will be nearsighted if current trends continue.
Even more concerning is that kids are developing nearsightedness at younger ages than ever before. So, what’s behind this dramatic shift? Research increasingly points to the amount of time children spend indoors on screens as a major factor. But there’s good news: spending more time outdoors may offer a simple, effective way to reduce the risk of developing myopia.
That’s why the team at EyeCare Associates is diving into the connection between time outside and eye health. Keep reading to learn how outdoor play might help protect your child’s eyesight—and why it’s more important than ever to encourage screen breaks and time in the sun.
How Digital Devices May Be Fueling Myopia in Kids
Our eyes are incredibly adaptable—just like the rest of the human body. Think about how we adjust to dim lighting after walking into a dark room or how athletes train their bodies to handle extreme conditions. Vision works the same way: it evolves based on how we use our eyes every day.
Today’s kids are growing up in a digital-first world. Unlike previous generations, many children now spend a significant portion of their time focused on screens—phones, tablets, computers, and more. This constant close-up focus is changing the way their eyes develop. Since children’s eyes are still growing, prolonged screen use can influence their shape over time, often causing the eye to become more elongated.
An elongated eye changes the way light is focused, causing it to fall short of the retina rather than directly on it. The result? Blurry distance vision—also known as myopia. To correct this, eye care professionals use concave lenses that bend incoming light so it lands properly on the retina, restoring clear distance vision. But glasses and contacts don’t solve the root of the problem—they just manage the symptoms.
Why Childhood Myopia Deserves Serious Attention
While needing glasses as a kid might seem like a minor inconvenience, the long-term effects of early-onset myopia can be far more serious. Children who develop nearsightedness at a young age are at greater risk for vision-threatening conditions later in life, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and even retinal detachment—issues that can severely affect vision or even cause blindness.
In fact, some eye care professionals are seeing an alarming increase in retinal complications among children, which previously were rare unless caused by trauma or infection. This trend has many experts concerned about what the future holds if the rise in myopia continues unchecked.
That’s why early intervention matters. By addressing myopia early—and taking steps to slow its progression—we can help protect children from more serious complications down the road. At EyeCare Associates, we believe in taking proactive steps today to ensure clearer, healthier vision for tomorrow.
Can Outdoor Play Prevent Childhood Nearsightedness?
If constant screen time and close-up focus are contributing to rising rates of nearsightedness, then what can parents do to help? One surprisingly effective solution may be as simple as spending more time outdoors. Research suggests that regular outdoor play can actually help reduce the risk of developing myopia in children. Here’s why:
Exposes children to natural lighting
Forces children to focus vision on distant objects like trees
Natural sunlight is a key source of Vitamin D, a nutrient that supports overall health—and may even help protect children’s eyes. Some studies suggest that higher levels of Vitamin D can help slow eye elongation by boosting dopamine production in the retina. Since elongated eyes are a key factor in myopia, this may be one reason time outside makes a difference. Plus, Vitamin D is essential for healthy bones, immune function, and muscle strength, so it’s a win across the board.
In addition to the benefits of sunlight, being outside prompts kids to shift their gaze between nearby and faraway objects. This helps reduce the strain caused by constant up-close focusing. In fact, studies show that adding just over an hour of outdoor time each day—around 76 minutes—can lower a child’s risk of developing myopia by up to 50%.
How to Protect Your Child from Early Myopia Development
At EyeCare Associates, we know parents want to do everything possible to support their child’s health—including their eye health. To help reduce the risk of nearsightedness, our optometrists have outlined a few easy strategies you can start using today.
Limit Screen Time
In today’s digital world, cutting back on screen time isn’t always easy—but it’s an important step in protecting your child’s developing vision. Too much time spent on tablets, phones, and computers can increase eye strain and promote the kind of close-up focus that contributes to myopia.
Experts recommend adjusting screen use based on age. Kids under two should avoid screens altogether (with the exception of video calls). Children between two and five should have no more than one hour per day, and those six and older should be limited to no more than two hours of recreational screen time daily.
Make Outdoor Time a Family Priority
One of the best ways to protect your child’s eyes—and boost their overall health—is to get outside together. Whether it’s a walk around the block, a bike ride, or a game of catch in the yard, consistent outdoor time helps the eyes reset and engage in long-distance focus.
Aim for about two hours of outdoor play a day. The natural light and visual variety can reduce eye strain and slow the progression of nearsightedness. Plus, it’s a fun way to spend quality time as a family.
Teach Your Kids the 20/20/20 Rule
The 20-20-20 rule is a simple but powerful tool for reducing eye strain. It works like this: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. This brief pause helps relax the eye muscles and may prevent problems like digital eye fatigue or worsening vision over time.
For younger children, you can set a timer to help them remember. Over time, it can become a healthy habit that protects their eyes well into adulthood.
Get A Comprehensive Kids’ Eye Exam at EyeCare Associates
One of the most effective ways to protect your child’s vision and catch nearsightedness early is by scheduling regular eye exams. During a comprehensive eye exam, our experienced eye doctors assess for refractive errors like myopia and offer personalized recommendations if any concerns are found. If your child is already nearsighted, we may suggest a myopia management plan—a specialized treatment designed to slow its progression and support long-term visual health.
Find your nearest EyeCare Associates location and schedule a kids’ eye exam today. It’s a smart step toward keeping your child’s vision strong, healthy, and clear as they grow.