Many research studies have shown that spending time outdoors leads to reducing the risk of myopia in children, and despite Singapore having one of the highest myopia rates in the world, spending time outdoors still seems like an uphill task for many Singaporean children and their families.
A study conducted by the National University of Singapore and Singapore Eye Research Institute assigned 285 Singaporean children to either continue with their usual weekend activity or go for a structured outdoor programme.
Prof Saw Seang Mei from the Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, who is the study’s principal investigator, explains that there should be comprehensive programmes in schools and the community, creating a multi-pronged approach which will sustain children’s liking for the outdoors.
Media Coverage:
- Go outdoors for better eyesight, The Sunday Times, 7 Jun 2015