Although genetic inheritance plays a role, studies are now showing that children spending less time in the great outdoors playing lead a greater chance of myopia than their counterparts who are more frequently exposed to outdoor light. Children sitting indoors, such as in front of a computer or TV or reading, have the greatest chance of being nearsighted (...shocking!).
Researchers now believe it's the intensity of outdoor light that may be an important factor in shaping myopic eyes. The higher exposure to intense outdoor light may explain the lower prevalence of myopia in children in Australia , compared with ethnically matched peers in other countries.
Whatever the reason is for allowing children more time in the great outdoors, I am all for it! Now only if this study came out when I was growing up...
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