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Being Brits and residents of the United Kingdom, we do have a tendency to be ridiculed by our trans-Atlantic cousins and neighbours on the continent for the dire state of our weather. Be it Summer, Spring, Winter or Autumn our outdoor opportunities always seem to be limited by an ever continuing downpour... or so it would seem. However, be this true or not, one thing that is for certain is that whenever the slightest glimpse of sunlight is spotted, be it during a hurricane or falling snow, every last one of us seems to go lightheaded and reach for the nearest vest top and shorts before proudly marching out to catch those precious rays. It's a British thing I guess. Moreover, our continued appetite for the outdoors come rain or shine could actually hold the key to many benefits to our eyes that we previously may not have considered or be aware about.
Research conducted by the Queensland University of Technology's School of Optometry showed interesting correlations between continued outdoor activities for children and improved visual skills. The exact reason behind such improvements or lessened degradation could not be specified, but clear signs showed that nearsightedness could not only be reduced in its progression but also stopped from occurring in the first place. The study detailed primarily children in their early teen years and analysed their vision in conjunction to outdoor exercises.
So what could possibly be the link between these two?
- Recent studies have suggested that increased physical activities can play an important part in reducing the occurrence of nearsightedness
- Sunlight. It might sound incredibly obvious when mentioned, but increased outdoor activities leads directly to increased exposure to the suns rays and light
Previous studies on this subject have already documented the short term benefits to the eyes from increased levels of exercise and this new trial hopes to recognise these changes becoming long term benefits. In order to assess the benefits of each, a number of tests involving exercise in and outside as well as non strenuous exposure to sunlight will be conducted in order to determine how and whether these environments can directly affect a persons eyes and vision.