In an age where tablets, computers, and smartphones capture so much of a child’s attention, outdoor playtime has taken a back seat. While screen time has its place in learning and entertainment, spending too many hours indoors can have unintended effects on your child’s vision - especially when it comes to myopia (nearsightedness).

The Link Between Outdoor Time and Myopia

Studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors have a significantly lower risk of developing myopia. Natural sunlight and long-distance focusing both play important roles in eye development. Exposure to bright outdoor light stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which helps regulate eye growth and prevents the eyeball from elongating  - the primary cause of myopia.

When children spend excessive time indoors focusing on close-up tasks like reading, homework, or screens, their eyes adapt to short viewing distances. Over time, this can contribute to the development or progression of myopia.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play for Vision Development

Outdoor play encourages children to look at objects at varying distances, helping their eyes practice natural focusing flexibility. It also provides essential exposure to daylight, which has been shown to slow the onset and progression of nearsightedness. Even as little as 90 minutes per day outdoors can make a noticeable difference in protecting vision health.

Protecting Your Child’s Vision for the Future

If your child has already been diagnosed with myopia, modern myopia management treatments can help slow its progression and protect long-term vision. At Today’s Vision, we offer customized myopia control options tailored to your child’s needs, including MiSight® 1 day contact lenses.

MiSight lenses are FDA-approved soft contacts specifically designed to slow myopia progression in children. They work by focusing light in a way that signals the eye to slow its growth, reducing the risk of developing high myopia and future eye health complications like retinal detachment or glaucoma.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Encouraging your child to play outside isn’t just fun - it’s an investment in their eye health. Daily outdoor activity, reduced screen time, and proactive myopia management with options like MiSight® lenses can make a lasting difference in their vision for years to come.

At Today’s Vision, we specialize in pediatric care and myopia management solutions to help protect your child’s sight now and in the future. Visit our office in Laguna Niguel, California, or call (949) 518-0055 today.