Playing outdoors helps reduce risk of myopia in kids

San Francisco-Two new studies add to the growing evidence that nearsightedness in children could be prevented or minimized by spending time outdoors. The research is published in the May issue of Ophthalmology. 

A study conducted in Taiwan found that when children are required to spend recess time outdoors, their risk of nearsightedness is reduced. A separate study in Danish children is the first to show a direct correlation between seasonal fluctuations in daylight, eye growth and the rate of nearsightedness progression.

Research on myopia is intensifying as the condition nears epidemic status in Asia and other regions, primarily in developed countries.