Why Kids Need to Play Outside More: The Growing Epidemic

By MiNDFOOD

little boy gardening playing outside
In recent years, a startling rise in myopia, or nearsightedness, has raised global health concerns. “There’s a global myopia epidemic,” says Professor Mackey, an expert in ophthalmology.

In some cities in China, more than 90% of university students are living with myopia. The trend is evident in Australia as well, where currently 6 million people (over 20%) have myopia. Projections show it could affect 50% of the population by 2050.

So, what’s causing this epidemic, and can we protect our children from it?

The Causes of Myopia

The causes of myopia are complex, involving both genetic and environmental factors.

While genetics play a significant role, environmental influences such as a lack of time spent outdoors, increased “near work” (like reading or working on screens), and longer periods of education are also key contributors.

Professor Mackey and his team recently explored the relationship between screen time and myopia development. They found that while smaller screens like smartphones didn’t seem to have an impact, near work on larger screens—such as computers—did. They also found that reading books contributed to the condition. The problem is further compounded by the fact that children are spending more time indoors in dim lighting, instead of being outside in natural daylight.

The Benefits of Outdoor Play

One of the most effective ways to reduce the risk of myopia in children is to ensure they spend more time outside.

“Our recommendation to families is simple: increase the amount of time your kids spend outside, aiming for two hours a day, but follow SunSmart guidelines,” says Mackey.

Exposure to natural light helps the eyes grow and develop properly, potentially slowing the progression of myopia.

Time spent outdoors, especially during the early morning or late afternoon when UV levels are low, is crucial. Not only does this time help reduce the risk of myopia, but it also supports physical and mental well-being by encouraging exercise, imagination, and social interaction.

Why Early Intervention Matters

While many people with myopia manage it through glasses or contact lenses, there are more serious risks for those who develop myopia early in life.

Early onset can lead to more severe cases of myopia, which increases the risk of complications such as retinal detachment, glaucoma, and myopic macular degeneration—conditions that can ultimately lead to blindness.

Professor Mackey and Dr. Samantha Lee, researchers from the Lions Eye Institute, have developed a simple test that measures the axial length of children’s eyes, which can help predict which kids are at risk for developing severe myopia. Like routine height and weight measurements, this test could become a standard part of preschool screenings, helping ophthalmologists and optometrists intervene early to prevent lifelong vision problems.

As the myopia epidemic grows, it’s essential that parents and educators encourage children to spend more time outdoors. This simple lifestyle change, combined with early detection, could have a profound impact on children’s eye health and overall well-being.

For the future of their eyes, let kids play outside more often—it’s an easy, effective way to protect their vision for years to come.

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