Can participating in physical exercise protect eyesight?

Can participating in physical exercise protect eyesight?

Engaging in physical exercise is an effective way to protect the eyesight of children and adolescents, especially for young children. Physical exercise not only enhances physical fitness but also promotes blood supply and metabolism in the eyeballs, providing them with more nutrients and oxygen, accelerating nutrient absorption, improving the nutritional status of the eyeballs, and enhancing visual function. Additionally, the eye muscles receive rest during exercise, and their contraction and adjustment abilities are improved, thus playing a protective role in preserving eyesight. Therefore, for individuals with normal vision, effective physical exercise can prevent the occurrence of myopia; for those already nearsighted, it can slow down the progression of myopia.

Regarding myopia prevention and control, is outdoor sports better than indoor sports?

Yes, it is. Outdoor sports not only reduce the frequency and intensity of near work but also alleviate tension in the ciliary muscles and relieve eye fatigue. Furthermore, outdoor lighting is related to eye development. Therefore, myopia prevention and control should involve more outdoor activities, such as playing sports, running, and going on outings. The bright sunlight and green grass outdoors also help supply nutrients and oxygen to the eyes, eye muscles, and optic nerve. Engaging in outdoor activities daily not only strengthens the body and relieves stress but also aids in the synthesis of vitamin D, which has a protective effect on eyesight. Thus, for myopia prevention and control, outdoor sports are more ideal.

How can children and adolescents protect their eyesight?

Children and adolescents should take responsibility for their own eyesight protection and myopia prevention. They should actively correct improper reading and writing postures, take breaks and look into the distance or go outdoors for activities and rest after 30 to 40 minutes of continuous close work to prevent eye fatigue. Actively participating in various outdoor sports (especially for students already nearsighted, engaging in more ball sports) for at least one hour each day is essential. Rational use of electronic devices, limiting daily screen time to less than one hour, maintaining a balanced diet, and ensuring sufficient sleep are all vital for eye health. Forming healthy lifestyle habits is crucial as well.

How can parents protect the eyesight of children and adolescents?

For the prevention and control of myopia in children and adolescents, early detection and treatment are key. As parents, they should first understand and value their children's eye health after birth. Regular eye health check-ups should be conducted at local maternal and child health hospitals. If any issues are found, timely treatment is essential to prevent the condition from worsening. Additionally, if parents notice that their child's vision is below normal, they should visit a hospital for examination to identify any eye conditions and make necessary lifestyle adjustments to reduce eye strain. Parents should lead by example, promote eye care, minimize or avoid excessive tutoring classes, and encourage children to engage in outdoor activities actively, making good use of weekends and holidays for outdoor sports.

How can schools protect the eyesight of children and adolescents?

Schools should optimize their curriculum and strictly implement the "One Hour of Sunshine Sports" policy. They should also eliminate the phenomenon of overemphasizing academics while neglecting physical education or even omitting it altogether. Adequate physical education classes should be provided, and the content should be enriched, including incorporating more ball sports (especially small ball sports) to relieve eye fatigue caused by prolonged study. During break times, schools should encourage students to go outdoors and engage in leisure activities or sports on the playground. Ensuring that students have at least one hour of physical exercise every day is crucial.