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Can Spending Time Outside Help Protect Children's Eyesight?
At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, we’ve observed a growing number of young patients diagnosed with myopia—commonly referred to as nearsightedness. This trend is not just local. In the 1970s, about 25% of Americans were nearsighted; today, that number has climbed above 40%. Experts warn the problem is spreading globally, with the World Health Organization predicting that nearly half the world’s population may be affected by 2050 if no changes are made.
Even more concerning is the age at which myopia is appearing. Children are developing nearsightedness earlier than ever, increasing their chances of facing serious eye conditions later in life. A major factor? More time spent on digital devices and less time outdoors.
Fortunately, there’s a simple and research-backed way to help reduce this risk: outdoor play. In this article, the eye care team at The EyeDoctors Optometrists explores how time spent outside can benefit your child’s eye health—and why it’s worth making it part of your family’s daily routine.
How Screen Time Can Fuel Childhood Myopia Development
Our eyes are incredibly responsive to how we use them—just like muscles that grow stronger or weaker depending on activity. This adaptability can be both a strength and a vulnerability, particularly for kids who are growing up in a world filled with screens.
Today’s children spend hours each day using phones, tablets, computers, and gaming devices. All that time spent focusing on nearby objects can affect how their eyes develop. During these critical growth years, extended near work can lead to a physical change in the shape of the eye—specifically, it may cause the eyeball to elongate.
When the eye becomes elongated, it shifts the focal point of incoming light, causing it to land in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision—what we call myopia. While glasses and contact lenses can help sharpen vision, they don’t stop the progression of the eye’s physical changes. That’s why proactive care is key.
Why Early-Onset Myopia Is a Long-Term Concern
It’s easy to think of childhood nearsightedness as a minor issue—one that’s fixed with a simple pair of glasses. But early-onset myopia can have lasting effects. When left unmanaged, it increases the risk of developing serious eye conditions later in life, including macular degeneration, glaucoma, and retinal detachment.
Alarming trends have emerged in recent years, with more children showing signs of these high-risk complications at younger ages. In many cases, these issues were once associated only with adults or the result of trauma—but now they’re becoming more common in kids simply due to worsening myopia.
That’s why early intervention matters. At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, we take a proactive approach to monitoring and managing myopia. Our goal is to catch changes early, provide personalized care, and help reduce the long-term impact on your child’s vision and overall eye health.
Can Outdoor Playtime Help Prevent Nearsightedness in Children?
If increased screen use is contributing to the rise in childhood myopia, what can parents do to help protect their child’s vision? One of the most effective—and simplest—strategies may be encouraging more outdoor play. Research continues to show that spending time outside can lower a child’s risk of developing nearsightedness. Here's why it works:
Exposes children to natural lighting
Forces children to focus vision on distant objects like trees
Sunlight is the best natural source of Vitamin D, which plays a vital role in overall health. Some studies suggest it may also support healthy eye development by increasing dopamine levels in the retina. This could help slow the elongation of the eyeball, which is one of the main causes of myopia in children.
In addition to the potential benefits of sunlight, outdoor environments naturally encourage kids to shift their focus from nearby to distant objects—something they don’t typically do while using screens. Whether they’re riding bikes, climbing trees, or playing tag, these activities give their eyes a break from constant close-up work. Studies show that just over an hour of outdoor play per day—about 76 minutes—can cut the risk of childhood myopia by as much as 50%. A little time in the sun can go a long way toward preserving healthy vision.
Easy Ways to Help Lower Your Child’s Risk of Myopia
At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, we know how committed parents are to keeping their kids healthy—and that includes taking care of their vision. The good news is there are several simple habits you can build at home that may help prevent or slow the onset of nearsightedness. Here’s what our eye care team recommends:
Reduce Screen Time
While screens are everywhere these days, spending too much time on digital devices can contribute to early vision problems. Extended close-up focus on tablets, phones, and laptops may encourage the eye to elongate, leading to myopia.
Experts recommend minimizing screen exposure based on age: no screen time (aside from video calls) for children under two, no more than one hour per day for kids aged two to five, and up to two hours of recreational screen time daily for older children.
Incorporate More Outdoor Play
Time outside is one of the best ways to support developing eyes. Outdoor play encourages children to shift their focus between distances and enjoy natural sunlight—both of which promote healthy visual development.
Aim for at least two hours of outdoor activity each day. Whether it’s biking, playing tag, or just exploring nature, getting outside is a fun and effective way to help protect your child’s eyesight.
Teach the 20/20/20 Rule
When screen time is necessary, the 20-20-20 rule can help reduce eye fatigue and strain. Every 20 minutes, have your child take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. This helps relax the eyes and reduces the pressure of prolonged close-up work.
Setting a timer can help younger children remember their breaks. Over time, this small habit can become a powerful routine that supports long-term vision health.
Get A Comprehensive Kids’ Eye Exam at The EyeDoctors Optometrists
One of the most effective ways to protect your child’s vision and catch early signs of myopia is through routine eye exams. At The EyeDoctors Optometrists, our comprehensive eye exams are designed to detect vision issues early and provide personalized solutions that meet your child’s needs. If nearsightedness is found, our team can create a myopia management plan to help slow its progression and support lifelong eye health.
Locate your nearest The EyeDoctors Optometrists office and schedule your child’s exam today. It’s a simple but important step toward keeping their vision clear, strong, and ready for the future.