Winter weather is in full swing, and—understandably—people are more inclined to stay indoors. While it may be tempting to cozy up by the fire and forget about the snow-covered streets, getting fresh air is more important than you think. In fact, spending time outside has little-known benefits for your eye health.
Regardless of the season, engaging in outdoor activities is a key contributor to overall well being, and can considerably curb the risk of developing myopia (nearsightedness). Myopia, as it’s technically termed, is a common eye condition that results in long distance vision loss.
We’ll explain how the correlation works, and perhaps it will give you the motivation you need to bundle up and embrace the outdoors this winter.
The connection between outdoor activity and myopia
Studies have repeatedly shown that time spent outdoors reduces the risk of developing myopia. Indeed, not only does being outside mitigate the chances of spurring nearsightedness, but it also has the potential to lessen the progression of myopia cases that already exist.
The correlation between outdoor activity and myopia is statistically significant: With only 76 minutes of outdoor time per day, the risk of developing myopia plunges a whopping 50%. For every hour spent outdoors, the level of protection improves.
It is especially important for children to spend time outdoors, as their eyes are at a crucial developmental stage, and are therefore more susceptible to the positive effects of fresh air.
