It’s Time To Go Outside
Spring can surprise us all with some scorching days, so be ready to get out there and enjoy the most it has to offer.
Remember the days of hiding and seek, tiggy and playground playdates? How we would run around with our best mates in our own little world? We’re coming to the end of winter, which means days are getting longer and warmer. So, it’s the perfect time for children to start getting outside and getting some fresh air away from their screens.
Sending our children outside to play is not only a great way to give their eyes a break from screens but being in the sunlight has been known to prevent rates of near-sightedness. Research has proven that modern-day children are more likely to have vision impairments, compared to children from a couple of decades ago. This was once thought to be due to increased screen time, however, new research has shown that sunlight exposure may be an important factor. In fact, an additional one hour of outdoor time per week will reduce the risk of myopia – near-sightedness – by 14 per cent.
We recommend that children spend two hours outdoors, no matter the season. They could be playing with friends, going on a walk, playing sport or having a picnic. No matter the situation, being outside will expose children to the daylight needed and minimise time straining their eyes, focusing on close up objects such as books or computers.
What is myopia/near-sightedness?
Myopia, near-sightedness or short-sightedness, is a common eye condition where a person can’t see distant objects clearly, but they can see close objects clearly. It happens when lights rays focus on a point in front of a retina, instead of directly on it, due to the eyeball being too long, or the cornea too curved for the length of the eyeball.
It is currently the second most common condition in children, after hay fever. Myopia usually begins mildly in children and progresses as they get older.
Other Risk Factors
Other risk factors of myopia include:
• Family history
• Low levels of light exposure
• Prolonged time on ‘close’ tasks, such as reading, phone or iPad use, etc
Symptoms:
A recent study found that almost one in three children with myopia are not diagnosed. This is why it is important to conduct frequent eye-tests.
Obvious symptoms of myopia are:
• Difficulty seeing distant objects, like reading the board at school
• Poorer performance at school
• Sitting closer to the TV
• Tired eyes
• Squinting
• Headaches
To make an appointment with us to get your child’s eyes tested, call 9841 5798 or contact us via our online form.