20 questions and answers on myopia prevention and control in multiple scenarios!

In order to guide children and adolescents to use their eyes scientifically, maintain a regular schedule, and actively prevent and control myopia, the Second National Comprehensive Prevention and Control of Myopia among Children and Adolescents Propaganda Team revised the "Questions and Answers on Myopia Prevention and Control in Multiple Scenarios during Winter Vacation" released in January this year, and formed the "Twenty Questions and Answers on Myopia Prevention and Control in Multiple Scenarios during Summer Vacation in 2023" to answer questions and provide guidance for children, adolescents and parents.

Active prevention: early detection, early prevention

1. Why is summer vacation considered a key period for myopia prevention and control?

A: Summer vacation is long. If children and adolescents do not have a regular schedule, do not have enough outdoor activities, and use their eyes at close range for a long time, they are likely to develop myopia or worsen myopia. We encourage parents to establish a scientific parenting concept, guide children and adolescents to reasonably plan their vacation life, have a regular schedule, and actively participate in physical exercise, housework, social practice, and public welfare activities.

2. Do I need to have an eyesight test during the summer vacation?

A: Parents should take the initiative to pay attention to their children's eye health. When children report that they can see clearly at close range but blurry at far distance, or when parents observe that their children squint, blink frequently, habitually rub their eyes, frown, tilt their heads, etc., they should take their children to regular medical institutions for examination in time to achieve early detection, early prevention, and early intervention. Regular vision and refractive examinations can clearly understand the child's hyperopia reserve or myopia status. When it is found that the child's hyperopia reserve is insufficient or myopia is worsening, active measures should be taken to prevent and control myopia scientifically.

3. If I just discovered that I am nearsighted, do I need to wear glasses?

A: If you are confirmed to be myopic, you should go to a professional institution for examination and correction. Generally, if the myopia is above 75 degrees and the naked eye vision is less than 4.9, it is recommended to wear suitable glasses. If the myopia is below 75 degrees, you can wear glasses when necessary. Whether to wear glasses needs to be determined in combination with professional examinations.

Outdoor sports: Stay out of the house, go outdoors more often

4. How long does outdoor activity last to be effective in preventing myopia?

A: It has been scientifically proven that outdoor activity time is significantly correlated with diopter and axial length of the eye. Increasing outdoor activity time is the most effective and economical method for preventing and controlling myopia. It is generally recommended to spend at least 2 hours of outdoor activity per day, or 14 hours per week in total. Children can increase their outdoor activity time to more than 3 hours per day. The key to outdoor activities is "outdoors". It is necessary to ensure that the activity space has sufficient visual breadth, rather than the content, method and intensity of the activities.

5. It’s hot during the summer vacation and I don’t want to go out. Can indoor exercise prevent myopia?

A: The indoor field of vision is not wide, the light intensity is not enough, and the prevention and control effect is not ideal. Sufficient light outdoors is the key to preventing myopia. In the hot summer, you should pay attention to avoiding the heat and sun protection when doing outdoor activities. It is recommended to do it in the early morning and evening when the sunlight is not too strong.

6. Is outdoor activities on cloudy days effective in preventing and controlling myopia?

Answer: The light intensity outdoors on a cloudy day is greater than that indoors, and the outdoor field of vision is wider than that indoors. Outdoor activities on cloudy days also have a certain effect on myopia prevention and control.

7. What outdoor sports can you recommend?

A: Ball games are the preferred outdoor sports. When playing ball, tracking the ball's long and short movements with both eyes can effectively exercise the extraocular muscles and ciliary muscles and promote blood circulation in the eyes. Running, doing exercises, walking, etc. are also good outdoor sports.

Extracurricular reading: Correct posture, sufficient brightness

8. Will reading paper books for a long time hurt my eyes?

A: Compared with electronic screens, paper reading materials are less irritating to the eyes. Improper reading posture and prolonged close-up use of the eyes are more likely to cause eye fatigue. When reading, take a break at the right time, and keep your eyes open for no more than 40 minutes. The younger the child, the shorter the time of continuous use of the eyes should be.

9. What is the correct sitting posture when reading at home during the summer vacation?

A: Correct sitting posture can effectively prevent the occurrence and development of myopia. When writing or reading, keep the distance between eyes and head at a reasonable level, and stick to the principle of "one foot, one fist, and one inch", that is, keep eyes one foot (about 33 cm) away from the book, chest one fist (about 10 cm) away from the edge of the table, and fingers holding the pen one inch (about 3 cm) away from the tip of the pen. Do not read or use electronic products while walking, eating, lying in bed, or in a shaking car.

10. What are the requirements for light when learning to read?

Answer: Children should have good lighting when studying. Inappropriate lighting will have adverse effects on children's eyes. Parents should place their children's desks in a well-lit location indoors, and make full use of natural light for lighting during daytime study, but be careful to avoid direct light on the desk. In addition to turning on the desk lamp for lighting when studying at night, appropriate background auxiliary light sources should be used indoors to reduce the indoor light and shade difference, so that the local light on the desk is in harmony with the surrounding environment. The desk lamp should have a lampshade and be placed in front of the opposite side of the writing hand. The light source should not shine directly into the eyes to avoid glare.

Source: Ministry of Education, "20 Questions and Answers on Myopia Prevention and Control in Multiple Scenarios during the Summer Vacation of 2023", Students and Health