At the same time, the same research project shows that the danger of a lot of screen time may have been exaggerated, when it comes to the risk of children becoming myopic.
A press release concerning the research project shows that children who spent the most time outdoors had shorter eye lengths.
"Spend a lot of time outdoors"
This confirms the theory that daylight can prevent the growth of eye length, which in turn causes myopia.
The main reason is believed to be the composition of the light.
- We see that longer outdoor time can reduce the risk of developing myopia.
Children whose parents are myopic are at greater risk of becoming myopic, which is why those children should spend a lot of time outdoors.
Although more research is needed, I would strongly recommend that children spend a lot of time outdoors in daylight, says Pelsin Demir.
Relationship not established
The first results from that project have now been published in the journal Clinical and Experimental Optometry.
However, the research project cannot establish that there is any connection between myopia and a lot of screen time.
- We found no connection between the time spent on close work (writing, reading, mobile, tablet) and visual impairment. However, this needs to be investigated further and compared again in the next examination of the children we study to draw a concrete conclusion, says Pelsin Demir.