14 Jul Is your child spending too much time indoors on iPads and computers and not enough time outdoors playing
Is your child spending too much time indoors on iPads and computers 
and not enough time outdoors playing 
As children are increasing the time they spend using smart devices 
and computers, they are decreasing the amount of time spent playing outdoors, which is leading to the development of short-sightedness or myopia. The World Health Organisation has said short-sightedness, or myopia, already affects about 30 per cent of the world’s population. In Australia myopia will go from around four million to 22 million by 2050. 
Research shows that children who have moderate myopia are at much higher risk of having early onset glaucoma and cataract. Children who have high myopia are at much higher risk of visual impairment and blindness. 
Many researchers now agree that the increase in incidence of myopia is most likely caused by children spending less time outside. Experts report that somewhere between 10-15 hours a week outdoors is enough to prevent the development of myopia. 
Here’s 3 Top tips to help protect our children’s 
vision and prevent myopia
1. 20-20-20 Rule. 
Every 20 minutes take your eyes off your computer screen, for at least 20 seconds and look at something 20 feet away.
2. Reduce screen time to less than 2 hours a day.
Studies show that children who spend more than 2 hours a day on screen time are 2-3 times more likely to become short-sighted. Set a Screen-Free time for your children 2 hours before bedtime to reduce screen time and to allow a better night’s sleep.
3. 10-15 hours a week outdoors play.
Ensure your child plays outdoors at least 1.5 hours a day to prevent myopia. Researchers think that the bright light outdoors stimulates the release of dopamine in the retina, which in turns blocks the elongation of the eye during development. Aim to have 10-15 hours a week of outdoor play. 
Together we can prevent an epidemic of myopia in our children. If your child is struggling to keep up with their peers in sports and refusing to play outdoors, ring My Favourite Physio on (02) 9790 4233 or DM us @myfavouritephysio to speak to Paediatric Physiotherapist today.
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