Studies Bright daylight protects children from myopia

Clearly, outdoor play can protect children from nearsightedness, as bright light releases dopamine in the retina and reduces the growth of the eyeball, according to the German Society of Endocrinology (DGE) and the German Ophthalmological Society (DOG). Numerous study results would suggest that outdoor living counteracts the development of myopia, presumably because of better light conditions.

According to the information provided by the two specialist societies, "about every third German citizen is short-sighted - with an upward trend." The so-called myopia (near-sightedness) is taking on epidemic proportions in many states of Europe, the Americas and especially Southeast Asia. However, several studies have shown that the ametropia can be relatively easily counteracted. For example, children are less likely to develop myopia the more often and longer they spend outdoors, the DGE and the DOG report.

Relationship between the level of education and myopia
In short-sightedness, according to the expert, the eyeball is usually too long, and thus the removal of the cornea and lens from the retina is greater than normal. Therefore, shortsighted people would perceive distant objects only blurry, while they can easily recognize nearby things. Why some people develop a myopia and others do not, is still not fully clarified. "Again and again genetic factors are mentioned," but this can not be the only reason, explains Professor Helmut Schatz, spokesman for the DGE from Bochum. Here already a study from the year 1969 at the Inuit in the north of Alaska showed that the lifestyle obviously also plays an essential role. In addition, many studies, including the recently published "Gutenberg study" from Mainz, have shown that myopia is also closely linked to the level of education. Training involves more reading and more indoor living. In most epidemiological studies, a connection between nearsightedness and "close work" has been found, but it still remains difficult to grasp what precisely causes myopia in reading, explains Professor Frank Schaeffel from the Research Institute of Ophthalmology at the University Hospital Tübingen.

Sufficient daylight protects against myopia
Daylight plays an important role in the development of myopia, according to the announcement of the two professional societies. Numerous studies have pointed out that "staying outdoors in children counteracts myopia - presumably because of the better light conditions," reports DOG expert Professor Schaeffel. In indoor areas, no more than 500 lux would be achieved, but on sunny days outdoors, even in the shade, about 10,000 lux would be achieved. This obviously has a considerable influence on the eyesight. Short-sightedness in children is likely to be prevented if exposed to at least 10,000 lux daily for about three hours, the DOG and the DGE write. The experts therefore recommend: "Children should play as much as possible outdoors." (Fp)

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