Author: Joel Harrison
Posted: 25 January 2012 13:08
In recent years, experts have been stressing the importance of protecting eyes against UV rays with the use of contact lenses or glasses with UV filters, but now it turns out that UV light may have a beneficial effect on vision.
According to a review of eight studies, conducted by Dr Justin Sherwin and his associate from Cambridge University, children spending more time outside are less likely to become myopic. Short-sighted children, the review shows, spent 3.7 fewer hours a week outside than other children.
One of the hypotheses that are now verified is that exposure to natural UV light helps to stop short-sightedness from developing. This is because natural light can make the body produce dopamine, which subsequently prevents abnormal growth of the eyeball.
An alternative hypothesis suggests that spending time outdoors protects children from other risk factors for the development of myopia.
The results of this study are of utmost importance, as year after year more people find themselves in need of glasses or contact lenses in order to see well.
