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Portable digital devices are everywhere, and many are aware of the effects of screen time on mental health. Yet, we often don’t realize that screen time can also severely affect children’s vision. Excessive near work and screen time without regular breaks and outdoor time can have a lasting negative impact on eye development. This blog explores the link between outdoor activity and eye health and what parents can do to help their kids.
What Is The Link Between Myopia and Indoor Lifestyles?
Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, has reached epidemic levels worldwide. The problem stems from how eyes grow and their focus mechanism. When kids are constantly engaged in close-up activities like screen time, reading, and drawing, their eyes naturally adapt. There are countless theories about why and how this happens. However, most experts agree that outdoor time plays a significant role in childhood myopia prevention.
A 2012 study by R.L Shah et al. found that children who spent less time outdoors were about 40% more likely to be myopic by age 11-15. A more recent 2024 study by S. Biswas and other experts affirmed the 2012 findings by stating that, “The environment exerts a significant influence on the development and progression of myopia.” They go on to say that spending time outdoors can prevent or slow the progression of the disease.
How Does Natural Light Affect Vision?
Spending time outdoors exposes the eyes to significantly higher light levels than typical indoor environments. This increased light intensity is believed to stimulate retinal dopamine release, which plays a role in regulating eye growth and may help reduce the risk of myopia progression. Outdoor activities also encourage distance viewing, giving the eyes a break from prolonged near work.
Children’s visual development is shaped by how they use their eyes throughout the day. Outdoor time naturally encourages brighter light exposure and distance viewing, which research suggests may support healthy eye development and help counterbalance extended screen time and near work.
What Activities Can Help Build Stronger Eyes?
Playing outdoors gives children’s eyes a break from constant close-up tasks. Activities that involve movement and distance viewing help support healthy visual development and balance screen time.
Does Screen Time Impact Eye Health?
Digital devices are an unavoidable part of modern education and daily life, and when used appropriately, they provide significant value. However, balance is essential. Prolonged, unbroken near work, particularly screen time, has been associated with visual fatigue and may contribute to myopia progression in children.
At Miami Contact Lens Institute, we encourage families to follow practical habits that support healthy visual development. This includes the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take at least 20 seconds to look at something 20 feet away. In addition, we recommend that children spend approximately 1.5 to 2 hours outdoors each day, as regular outdoor time has been shown to support healthy eye development and may help reduce the risk of myopia progression.
While extended outdoor time may not always be feasible every day, particularly during school months or in extreme weather, consistent exposure to natural light and regular breaks from near work remain important components of long-term visual health.
What Are The Long-Term Benefits of Outdoor Play for Vision?
Encouraging regular outdoor play during childhood supports healthy eye development and may help reduce the risk of myopia progression. Outdoor time can be both beneficial and safe when paired with appropriate sun protection, including hats, UV-blocking sunglasses, and sunscreen.
By making outdoor activities comfortable and enjoyable, families can help children build healthy visual habits that balance screen use and support long-term eye health.
Maintaining Good Eye Health With Outdoor Play
As myopia becomes more common in children, many parents have questions about how to best support their child’s vision. At Miami Contact Lens Institute, we work closely with families to understand each child’s visual needs and offer thoughtful guidance on both treatment options and everyday habits. Our goal is to help children see clearly and comfortably while supporting healthy visual development as they grow.
