Childhood Myopia: Why Outdoor Time Matters

Nearly 42% of children worldwide now develop myopia, a drastic increase from 20% in 2000. Research reveals that spending at least 2 hours daily outdoors reduces myopia risk by 33%. Sunlight stimulates dopamine release in the retina, which inhibits excessive eyeball elongation—the primary cause of nearsightedness. Schools in Singapore have implemented "Vision Breaks," mandating outdoor activities to combat this epidemic. Parents should prioritize outdoor play over screen time and ensure regular eye checkups.