Winter Break, Screens and Growing Eyes: How Outdoor Time Helps Kids’ Vision

Winter break is coming, and for many Oak Park families that means more tablets, more video games and more movie marathons. A bit of extra screen time over the holidays is normal. But it is also a good moment to think about how children’s eyes grow, and why getting outside matters.

When nearsightedness starts

The National Eye Institute (NEI) explains that nearsightedness (myopia) usually starts between ages 6 and 14 and tends to get worse until the early twenties. It happens when the eyeball grows too long from front to back, or when the cornea or lens has a shape that focuses light in front of the retina instead of on it. Distant objects look blurry while close-up vision stays clear.

The outdoor connection

NEI notes that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to become nearsighted, though experts are not yet sure why. Bright outdoor light and looking at faraway things are two leading ideas. Either way, the advice is easy to follow.

A balanced holiday break plan

• Get outside every day. A hike at Oak Canyon, a bike ride or a walk to the park all count.
• Break up screen sessions. Every 20 minutes or so, have kids look across the room or out a window for a little while.
• Keep devices at arm’s length rather than inches from the face.
• Turn screens off before bed so sleep stays on track.
• Watch for clues. Squinting at the TV, sitting very close to screens, or trouble seeing the board at school are reasons for an exam.

Use the break for a checkup

School vision screenings can miss problems. A complete eye exam over winter break means less missed class time, and if your child needs glasses, they can start the new semester seeing clearly. If both parents are nearsighted, it is especially worth asking about your child’s risk and options.

Teens who are ready for contact lenses will find safety basics at this contact lens resource.

I tell parents that the best eye prescription for the holidays is free: send the kids outside to play, then bring them in for a checkup.

Source: Nearsightedness (Myopia) (National Eye Institute (NIH)). This article is an educational summary written by Khanna Vision Institute and is not a substitute for medical advice.