The Outdoor Rx: A Simple Prescription to Slow Childhood Myopia

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming more common in children and often gets worse as they grow. While glasses and contacts can help your child see clearly, the key to protecting their long-term eye health is slowing the progression of myopia early. One of the simplest and most effective ways to do that is by spending more time outdoors.
 

What Is Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or when the cornea is too curved. This causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, resulting in blurred distance vision. Children with myopia often struggle to see the whiteboard in school or recognize faces from a distance.
 

The Power of Outdoor Time

One of the most effective and simplest ways to slow the progression of childhood myopia is to encourage more time outdoors. Natural sunlight and the opportunity to view objects in the distance appear to provide a protective effect against the development and progression of myopia.
 

Experts recommend at least 90 minutes to 2 hours of outdoor play daily. Activities such as riding a bike, playing tag, or simply going for a walk can help reduce the risk of developing severe myopia later in life.
 

Other Simple Strategies to Protect Your Child’s Vision

In addition to outdoor time, you can support your child’s eye health with a few other easy habits:

  • Limit screen time and encourage frequent breaks using the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

  • Ensure good lighting while reading or using screens.

  • Schedule regular eye exams to catch vision changes early.
     

When to Consider Myopia Management Treatment

If your child’s myopia continues to worsen despite lifestyle changes, it may be time to consider more advanced options. At Downtown Vision, we offer proven myopia management solutions:

  • MiSight® 1 day contact lenses: The first and only FDA-approved daily contact lenses designed to slow myopia progression in children.

  • Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed overnight lenses that gently reshape the cornea while your child sleeps, providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.
     

These treatments don’t just correct vision; they help protect your child’s long term eye health by slowing down myopia progression and reducing the risk of future eye diseases associated with high myopia.
 

Protect Your Child’s Vision with Downtown Vision

While we may not be able to prevent myopia entirely, simple steps like increasing outdoor time and reducing screen strain can make a meaningful difference. And when additional care is needed, advanced treatments like MiSight® 1 day contact lenses and Ortho-K can make a lasting difference.
 

If you are concerned about your child’s nearsightedness, schedule a pediatric eye exam with Downtown Vision to explore myopia management treatments. Please call (775) 322-4061 or (775) 883-3977 to book an appointment today.