August 7th

By Mutt Mulligan

The Eyes Have It: British Researchers Discover Another Reason to Play Outdoors

British researchers have discovered yet another reason for children to play outdoors.

According to a recent study by Bristol University, there is a link between playing outdoors and a lower risk of myopia or nearsightedness (the inability to see far-away objects clearly). Researchers found that eight and nine year old children who played outdoors had a 50% less chance of being nearsighted compared to those who didn’t play outside as much.

The study tracked 7,000 youngsters and found that being outdoors was more important than the actual physical activity of the children. It is the first study of its kind to draw this link between outdoor play and eyesight.

Now, what are you waiting for? Grab your kids and get outside!