Scientific findings from two major studies have found that children and adults who spend two hours outdoors per day are at a lower risk of developing myopia, which is also called nearsightedness.
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“What’s remarkable is that it appears some myopia can even be reversed by getting out of doors.”
– Dr. Andrew Huberman
Neuroscientist and tenured professor in the department of neurobiology Andrew Huberman, Ph.D., posted an explanatory video about these studies on his Instagram. Huberman is also a professor of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at Stanford School of Medicine, best known for his podcast, The Huberman Lab.
“What’s remarkable is that it appears some myopia can even be reversed by getting out of doors and getting sunlight in one’s eyes and also viewing things at a distance,” he states in his post.
Huberman says this reversal may be possible no matter what age you are.
Scientists have not yet concluded whether it is spending time outside and exposed to natural light or just looking at objects far away that improves nearsightedness.
To maximize the benefits, Huberman suggests avoiding sunglasses, if possible. He also reminds people not to look directly into the sun.
Previous studies have found similar connections between time spent outside and improved eyesight, with some claiming that children who spend time outside may be less likely to develop myopia and that outdoor time in general reduces the risk of developing nearsightedness.
Are you having problems with nearsightedness? Do you spend at least two hours outside every day? Share your experience in the comments below.
