New research indicates link between childrens' eye health and time outdoors

With Children's Eye Health week beginning in Ireland this week, experts in the field have offered advice to parents regarding their child's eyesight.

According to new research, a lack of fresh air has been linked to short-sightedness - a discovery which optometrists hope will lead to an increase in a child's time spent outdoors.

Dismissing the theory that short-sightedness is born of excessive reading or screen-time, the Association of Optometrists Ireland assert that the problem lies within the level of time spent in the great outdoors.

Commenting on the recent findings, optometrist, Lynda McGivney-Nolan explains: "We've identified 15 studies, minimum, that all show that children aren't getting enough outdoors time and this is being connected to an increase in myopia or short-sightedness."

Highlighting the importance of the findings this week, she reminded parents of the benefits associated with a childhood spent outdoors, saying: "We want to get the message across, this is yet another reason for parents to encourage children in Ireland to get outdoors more."

Will this research herald a change in your child's daily routine?