Photo courtesy of Ray-Ban
Warm weather benefits more than just our moods after a long winter and chilly spring. Research shows that it is also good for our eyes to go outside.
Recently Dr. Siegel attended a seminar presented by the Illinois College of Optometry on strategies for addressing the progression of myopia. One topic that really stood out was the difference in rates of myopia in populations with increased exposure to the outdoors versus those confined indoors for a greater part of the year.
For example, the incidence of myopia in people in their twenties and thirties in the U.S. is 36 to 44 percent. In Canada, it is 72.4 percent. Furthermore, a meta-analysis of seven cross-sectional studies published in 2012 indicates that time spent outdoors can be an effective strategy for addressing myopia.
More recent research backs this up. Last year a study of more than 1,300 young adults (ages 19 to 22) in Australia was published that showed further support of an inverse association between outdoor activity and myopia. In other words, higher levels of time spent outside is correlated with lower levels of myopia.
Though it is good to be outside, for many reasons, be mindful of UV exposure. Research does not indicate that there is any reason to leave the house without your sunglasses. This is a great time to make sure yours provide 99 to 100 percent protection from UVA and UVB rays. All sunglasses at Northcenter Eye Care meet this criteria, and we have a great selection for the upcoming warm months.
As always, if you have any questions about your eye health, please feel free to call, email or message us on Facebook.