Natural Light, Healthy Sight: How Outdoor Activities Protect Vision

14 July 2025

Content Blog - Myopia prevention

Spending time outdoors has been shown to help reduce the risk of developing myopia, especially in children. Here are some outdoor activities that are beneficial for myopia prevention:

  1. Playing Sports: Engaging in sports like soccer, basketball, or tennis not only keeps children active but also ensures they spend time outside in natural light
  2. Cycling: Riding bikes is a fun way to explore the outdoors and get some exercise. It also helps in reducing screen time
  3. Walking and Hiking: Simple activities like walking the dog, hiking in nature, or even just taking a stroll in the park can be very effective
  4. Outdoor Play: Encouraging children to play outside, whether it’s on playgrounds, in backyards, or at the beach, can significantly reduce the risk of myopia
  5. Gardening: Participating in gardening activities can be both relaxing and beneficial for eye health as it involves spending time in natural light. Research suggests that spending at least two hours a day outdoors can have a protective effect for myopia prevention. The exposure to natural light and the opportunity to focus on distant objects are key factors in this protective effect.

At Birmingham Optical we offer the NIDEK Al-Scan M for a myopia solution. The NIDEK AL-Scan M is a state-of-the-art optical biometer designed specifically for myopia management. It offers fast, accurate axial length measurements—an essential parameter for monitoring myopia progression, especially in children. With 3D auto-tracking and auto-shot capabilities, the device ensures ease of use and consistent results, much like an autorefractor.

The AL-Scan M integrates seamlessly with NIDEK’s MV-1 Myopia Viewer software, allowing clinicians to visualize axial length changes over time, track treatment outcomes, and make informed decisions. This integration also supports patient education by presenting intuitive growth curves and treatment histories. The device is ideal for practices aiming to expand into proactive myopia control, offering a reliable and efficient solution for early detection and ongoing monitoring. Its compact design and user-friendly interface make it a valuable addition to any modern eyecare clinic focused on combating the global rise in myopia

Find more information here

#OutdoorPlay #HealthyEyes #MyopiaPrevention #KidsHealth #ActiveLifestyle #VisionProtection #EyeHealthMatters