The Claim
Increased time spent outdoors is significantly associated with reduced progression of myopia in children and adolescents.
What the research says
Supports is higher
Support is ahead, but a single strong opposing study can change this.
These are independent scores, not a percentage. Higher-grade studies count more, so a single strong opposing study can outweigh several weaker ones.
Children and adolescents who spend more time outdoors experience slower worsening of nearsightedness.
See the scientific wording
Increasing time spent outdoors is significantly associated with reduced myopic progression in children and adolescents, as demonstrated in two prospective cohort studies and one randomized controlled trial, suggesting outdoor exposure may slow the worsening of nearsightedness.
When children spend time outside, bright daylight hits their eyes and causes the retina to release more dopamine. This dopamine tells the eye to stop growing too long, which keeps the focus of light on the retina instead of in front of it, preventing nearsightedness from getting worse.
What the research says
1 studyKids and teens who spend more time outside tend to have slower worsening of their nearsightedness, and this was shown in three solid studies, including one where kids were randomly assigned to spend more time outdoors.
Score breakdown, mechanism chain, raw evidence, ideal studies needed & 1 supporting studies
Not medical advice. For informational purposes only. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making health decisions.