You’ve heard that sunshine is the best medicine? Well one of the simplest lifestyle changes we can suggest to both pre-myopes and patients with progressing myopia is to simply spend more time outdoors.

Myopia or nearsightedness means one sees nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear out of focus or blurred. You may be surprised to learn that time spent outdoors helps in preventing myopia. Two hours a day or fourteen hours a week soaking in the sunshine has been found to be effective in reducing the progression of myopia.

Studies are still underway to determine just how increasing your time outside can affect myopia. Some believe the exposure to sunlight releases dopamine in the retina or the increases in Vitamin D are beneficial. Other theories link exposure to beneficial microorganisms that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is part of the signaling system within the retina and control eye growth.

Preventative effects on myopia from time outdoors is beneficial even in ages as young as 3 years old. And luckily, exposure to strong sunlight isn’t required for prevention of myopia. Relatively low light intensity, even in the shade of trees, has protective effects.

There are a lot of reasons to get our kids outside, but these links to increased time outdoors preventing the onset and progression of myopia just reinforces the mantra: fresh air is good for the mind, soul, AND the body! But please don’t forget to protect those peepers from the sun’s harmful UV rays by wearing sunglasses that block 100 percent UV whenever you are outdoors in daylight. Remember your eyes need protection even on cloudy days

Contact us or visit our optical boutique in Redfish Village along scenic highway 30A in Santa Rosa Beach and let us help us help you with all your eye care needs.