Playing Outdoors May Help Kids With Nearsightedness

March 29, 2021

The increase in the use of computer screens (phones, tablets and laptops) at a younger and younger age is causing a common eye condition to progress more rapidly than ever before. Nearsightedness (myopia) causes blurriness far-away, and higher levels of myopia create extreme levels of dependence on glasses or contact lenses. Also, higher levels of myopia are related to increased levels of eye disease such as retinal detachment, glaucoma and certain types of macular degeneration.

A study done at the University of Waterloo showed that the percentage of myopia in school-age kids was almost 5 times greater in 11-13 year olds vs. 6-8 year olds. Another study showed a relationship between time spent outdoors and the development of myopia – more time spent outdoors delayed the onset of myopia in children. We also know that the later the onset of myopia, the less severe the level of myopia tends to be throughout life.

We recommend the following to help reduce the negative effects of screen time on your child’s eye health:

· Encourage children to play outside as often as possible.

· Have children’s eye examined by an optometrist by the age of 6-9 months, 2-5 years and annually 6-19 years.

· Zero exposure to screens for children 0-2 years.

· Limit the use of screens to 1 hour per day until the age of 9 years.

· Breaks no later than after 60 minutes of use (after 30 minutes is encouraged)

Source: Canadian Association of Optometrists; https://opto.ca/health-library/playing-outdoors-can-help-maintain-childrens-eyesight

A little girl wearing glasses and a blue dress.
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Discover Opal's playful and stylish children's eyewear, blending fashion and entertainment with popular licenses that kids love.
A woman wearing glasses and a red sweater is laughing.
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Celebrate ØRGREEN OPTICS’ legacy with the 1415 campaign, a tribute to Copenhagen’s oldest postal code. Discover how the city’s canals and creative energy inspire their unique designs.
A woman wearing glasses and a black pleated top
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Explore Etnia Barcelona’s new eyewear collection, where vibrant colors, bold contrasts, and premium acetates create striking designs. Celebrate individuality with frames that exude confidence and style.
A woman with glasses and a flower in her hair
By Rosendo C March 26, 2025
Dive into Etnia Barcelona's Underwater campaign, a surreal exploration of the ocean's depths. Discover a mystical AI-created world where vibrant flora, fauna, and mythical beings bring the beauty of the deep sea to life.
A man with a beard wearing maui jim sunglasses
By Rosendo C March 20, 2025
Discover Maui Jim sunglasses at Mountain View Optometry, featuring PolarizedPlus2® lens technology for superior glare protection, enhanced colors, and UV defense. Experience unmatched clarity and eye comfort with premium polarized lenses.
A man wearing sunglasses and a maui jim logo
By Rosendo C March 20, 2025
Maui Jim Sunglasses Spring-Summer 2025
A woman wearing glasses is standing in front of a colorful background.
By Rosendo C March 16, 2025
Thierry Lasry Eyewear Calgary - 2024 Campaign
A close up of a woman wearing glasses.
By Rosendo C March 16, 2025
Thierry Lasry Eyewear Calgary - 2023 Campaign
By Tom Wilk March 7, 2025
As a locally owned business, we deeply appreciate your support. Recent events have prompted us to reflect on how many other Canadian companies are also supported when you visit us for eye care services. This month, we are proud to highlight one of our key “Made in Canada” suppliers – ZEISS Vision. Specializing in precision optics, ZEISS spectacle lenses are designed to improve vision in several ways, including sharper vision at night, better contrast, and more natural colours. When you order a set of new ZEISS lenses from MVO, you support a Canadian company employing 250 dedicated staff who work hard to custom build the glasses you will be wearing for (on average) the next two to three years! Thank you for your commitment to keeping your business in Canada!
A man is holding a pair of glasses in his hand and rubbing his eyes.
By Tom Wilk March 5, 2025
Visual snow syndrome (VSS) is a condition that causes people to see visual disturbances similar to static on a television. This "visual snow" can be persistent and is often accompanied by other symptoms that can affect daily life. As more people learn about visual snow syndrome, it becomes essential to understand its symptoms, potential causes, and how to manage it.
Show More
Share by: