We just welcomed a new baby to the family and noticed we have been using screens a lot more. Since myopia runs in the family and I’ve had it for most of my life, I wanted to get ahead of it and learn what we can do to help prevent it/ prevent it from getting worse with Kai. For those who don't know, myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is a common condition that causes blurriness when viewing objects at a distance, but no issues with viewing things up close. Recent research concluded that in the year 2000 roughly ¼ of the Earth’s population was myopic, and it is estimated that by 2050 approximately ½ of the population will be nearsighted. We decided to take part in a Vision Mission playdate / eye doctor visit to ensure the importance of eye health was something Kai learned at an early age. Today I'll share with you some 20 free outdoor activity ideas to get those eyes off screens and what we learned from our eye doctor visit about myopia and its new treatment options.

In an effort to escape the temptations of technology and provide our eyes with some much-needed rest, we planned a Vision Mission play date full of outdoor activities that wrapped up at the eye doctor. We started the day with a family favorite, we went on a bike ride. Kai loves riding in her bike trailer. It gives her the to look around and point out all the scenery along the way. This was also a great opportunity to talk with her about her vision and how important it is to take good care of it. Next it was off to the nursery to pick out some festive plants for the holidays. While at the nursery we discussed why we need to get outside whenever possible and take time away from screens. We also explained to her what nearsightedness is and how it is something that runs in our family. Talking about myopia piqued her interest and started a list of questions to ask the eye doctor. After the nursery we were on to the last and most important part of the play date, the eye doctor. Once at the eye doctor we discussed our family’s eye health history, and we learned all about myopia. 

So, what did we learn about myopia? We learned that genetics play a big role in developing myopia, but there are other environmental factors that contribute as well. Some of these risk factors are: people who spend a large amount of time in front of a TV / computer screen, and those who read a significant amount. There are also studies being performed that suggest that a lack of time spent outdoors increases your risk of developing myopia. We also learned that nearsightedness is frequently first found during childhood. Some things to be on the lookout for are: squinting, frequent rubbing of the eyes, excessive blinking, the need to view objects like the television at a closer distance. The doctor also went over some of the treatment options for this condition with us. Besides the typical eye treatments like glasses, contacts, and surgery, there are new options aimed more at slowing or stopping the progression of myopia. Some of the more common preventative treatments are eye drops and the use of special contact lenses that are designed to reshape the eye over time. It is also believed that regular exposure to the sun’s UV rays, especially in adolescence and early adult years, can help to maintain a normal eye shape. However, with all the treatments and defenses available the most important is getting your child in to see the doctor regularly and keeping an eye out for any potential signs or symptoms.

We had such a good time on our Vision Mission playdate and we are hoping to encourage some families to take time away from the screen and do the same. I’m including a list of some of our favorite free outdoor activities in case anyone needs help getting the ball rolling.

1. Go for a bike ride

2. Go fishing at a local stocked pond

3. Plan a picnic at a park

4. Go to the playground

5. Set up a tent for some backyard camping

6. Take them to a field to play a sport of their choosing

7. Go Swimming at a neighborhood pool.

8. Go for a hike

9. Go throw the ball with your pet

10. Plant a fairy garden

11. Collect and paint rocks

12. Go on a nature scavenger hunt

13. Make chalk art with sidewalk chalk

14. “Paint” the fence with water

15. Build a fort with sheets and clothesline

16. Visit a campground and make s’mores

17. Fly a kite

18. Play with bubbles/ bubble makers

19. Get dirty/ jump in puddles if it’s raining

20. Collect leaves and sticks to make jewelry/crown out of