Rotherham opticians champion ‘sight-saving’ effect of playing outdoors

Swapping screens for time outside could help delay a common eye condition in children that can eventually lead to blindness, a Rotherham optician has advised.

Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is an eye condition that results in poor or blurred vision when viewing objects at a distance. In the UK, the number of children with myopia has doubled since the 1960s.

Those with the condition are more at risk of serious eye conditions, such as retinal detachment, which can have a significant impact on sight and may even cause blindness later in life.

In support of Myopia Awareness Week 2026, which runs from Monday, May 18, to Sunday, May 24, Sarah Hewitt, an optometrist at Wickersley Eye Clinic in Bawtry Road, has called on parents to encourage their children to put down their mobile phones and gaming controls and spend more time outdoors, as research shows this could delay the onset of myopia in those who may be susceptible.

Spending an extra two hours a day outside is recommended as this allows children to use their full range of vision – an important factor in reducing the risk of developing myopia.

Sarah says research shows that both genetics and environmental factors play a role in whether a child will develop myopia and its progression.

She said: “It is important to understand the environmental factors that can influence myopia development and progression, because the action families take can have a real impact. Encouraging your child to spend more time outside can make a vital difference in protecting their sight, now and in the longer term.”

Tracey Plummer, practice manager at Staples Opticians in High Street, Wath upon Dearne, added: “With the school holidays approaching and evenings getting lighter, now is the perfect time to get into good habits and swap phones for playgrounds and online games for real ones outside.

“The message is simple – be more outdoors.”

With children spending more time on screens than ever before, parents should encourage them to take regular breaks from near visions tasks: for every 20 minutes, take a break for 20 seconds to gaze into the distance (about 20 feet or six metres away).

While studies show that half of the world’s population will have myopia by 2050, early diagnosis and intervention are key to slowing the progression of the condition.

Regular eye examinations by an eye care professional are strongly recommended.

To learn more or book an appointment, visit www.bookaneyetest.co.uk