What? It can prevent myopia. Go out for a walk!

Audit expert: Liu Dongbao

Chief Physician of Ophthalmology Department, Shenyang Red Cross Hospital

Two hours of outdoor activity every day , does this sound a bit like a mechanical training schedule?

But in fact, this simple and fun activity is the key to preventing myopia during adolescence! Can such a simple thing really prevent myopia? Some people even say that outdoor activities can reverse myopia? Let's take a look at the magic of outdoor activities!

Why can outdoor activities prevent myopia?

As long as you spend more time playing outdoors every day, you can stay away from the trouble of myopia? Why do outdoor activities have such a magical effect on the eyes? First of all, compared with long-term indoor activities such as reading and using electronic devices, when people are outdoors, whether they are doing sports or not, the visual distance is much farther than indoors . This allows the adjustment of the eyeball and the development of the eye axis to be fully exercised. With increased eye movement, the coordination and flexibility of the eye muscles are improved, and the excessive use of the eyes on close objects is reduced, so the degree of eye fatigue will be reduced accordingly, and the risk of myopia will also be reduced.

Source: pixabay

Secondly, in the natural light outdoors, people are under higher lighting levels when they are active. The light outdoors is brighter, and compared to indoor lighting, natural light is more uniform and soft , which can stimulate the photoreceptor cells on the retina, promote the development and improvement of visual function, and help protect the health of the eyes. In addition, ultraviolet rays in sunlight can promote the synthesis of vitamin D, which is essential for eye health. It is worth mentioning that outdoor activities can expose people to the beauty of nature and fresh air. People can stay away from the hustle and bustle and pressure of the city, enjoy tranquility and relaxation, and relax their bodies and minds, reducing stress and anxiety. Studies have found that psychological stress and fatigue are one of the important factors leading to the occurrence and aggravation of myopia . Psychological stress and fatigue often cause people to use their eyes at close range for a long time, lack of visual relaxation, and sit for a long time, all of which increase the risk of myopia.

Source: pexels

Although further research is needed to determine the exact link between outdoor activities and myopia prevention, most studies and observations show that outdoor activities are very beneficial to eye health.

Can outdoor activities reverse myopia?

While it is true that outdoor activities can help prevent and slow the progression of myopia, the role of outdoor activities in reversing myopia has not been fully proven and there is no conclusive scientific evidence. We all know that the development of myopia is usually due to abnormal growth of the eye axis, and genetic factors and time spent using the eyes at close range play an important role in this. A normal eyeball grows evenly in both the vertical, front-to-back and horizontal axes. However, the eyeball of a myopic person grows too fast in the front-to-back axis, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of accurately on the retina, resulting in myopia.

Source: pexels

Therefore, from the perspective of organ structure, outdoor activities can prevent myopia to a certain extent, but for existing myopia, outdoor activities alone may not be able to reverse it . To achieve the goal of reversing myopia, more research is needed. Comprehensive treatment methods can only delay the progression of myopia, such as wearing appropriate glasses or contact lenses, regular eye examinations and taking appropriate vision correction measures. However, myopia prevention and control cannot rely solely on the development of correction technology, but still insist on prevention first. Some suggestions for eye protection and myopia prevention

In recent years, the incidence of myopia among children has shown an increasing trend year by year, which has caused great troubles to children's health and learning. The importance of eye protection and prevention of myopia for children cannot be ignored, and parents play an irreplaceable and important role in this.

Source: pixabay

First of all, parents should fully understand the knowledge of eye protection and myopia prevention, and understand the causes and effects of myopia. They should improve their awareness and knowledge of eye protection by communicating with professional doctors and reading relevant materials. Secondly, parents should guide their children to develop good eye habits - maintain an appropriate reading distance and correct sitting posture when studying. In addition, parents should take their children for eye examinations regularly to ensure that their vision is closely monitored and treated in a timely manner.

In addition, a balanced diet is also closely related to eye health. Parents should encourage their children to take vitamins A, C and E. Nutrients such as zinc, selenium, lutein and zeaxanthin are also very important for eye health. Foods rich in these nutrients include carrots, nuts, beef, fish, vegetables and corn.

Source: pixabay

We live in an era of information explosion, electronic screens are everywhere, and we are becoming more and more dependent on electronic devices. Beyond the monitor, everyone can be an explorer. Walk through dense forests, climb steep mountains, chase butterflies and rainbows. Through close contact with nature, we can give our eyes the rest and recovery they need. These wonderful experiences are not only a pleasure, but also a protection for the "windows to the soul".