Key Points
- Nearsightedness (myopia) is the most common vision problem in children and teens.
- In nearsightedness, the eye is longer from front to back than a normal eye, which causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of on it. This makes it difficult to see objects that are far away.
- Nearsightedness can be affected by certain factors, such as time spent outdoors, screen exposure, proper light use, and a balanced diet.
Whether a child develops nearsightedness largely depends on their genetics.
However, in recent years, several studies have found that other factors can affect this vision problem, such as time spent outdoors, screen exposure, proper light use, and a balanced diet.
Time spent outdoors and close-up work
A study review published in Ophthalmology found that children with nearsightedness spent almost four fewer hours outdoors than children who do not have this vision problem.
The authors observed that increasing time spent outdoors by just one hour a week could reduce the risk of nearsightedness by 2%.
This association is still under investigation, but many experts agree that the protective effect may be due to the high intensity or chromaticity of light outdoors, or increased levels of vitamin D (which is obtained through moderate sunlight exposure).
Another article published in Deutsches Ärzteblatt International stressed that parents, pediatricians, and schools need to pay special attention to certain risk factors to combat rates of nearsightedness in children, such as reduced sunlight exposure, performing activities at short visual distances (close-up work), and increased use of digital devices.
According to the authors, a person with little exposure to daylight has a fivefold risk of developing nearsightedness, which can rise as high as a 16-fold risk if they also do close-up work.
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A good diet
Children need a good diet to grow up healthy and develop all bodily functions properly. Getting enough vitamin A, C, and E, omega-3 fatty acids, and minerals like selenium and zinc is key to preventing nearsightedness.
You can incorporate these nutrients into your child’s diet with fruit (such as oranges, melons, and mangoes), vegetables (such as broccoli, chard, and carrots), avocados, grains, and fish, among other options.
Remember
To combat nearsightedness, it’s important to pay attention to these risk factors. But the best way to prevent any complications is to have regular checkups with an eye doctor.
Health professionals can anticipate problems or detect conditions early, when they’re most curable.
Children should have screening tests for eye problems and vision tests at 6 months, 3 years, before starting first grade, and every 2 years while in school.
Sources: National Library of Medicine; Mayo Clinic; National Eye Institute.
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