How moderate time in the sun can help fight myopia (short-sighteness)
Many research studies have found that vitamin D levels may relate to severity of myopia. Myopia, also known as short-sightedness, is a condition in which light coming into the eye doesn’t focus correctly. People with myopia are unable to see distant objects in focus, but can see objects up close in focus.
The sun plays a vital role in maintaining good health, both mental and physical. It is the only natural source of vitamin D. Vitamin D deficiency not only causes generalized muscle weakness, muscle aches, bone aches and pains but also can precipitate and exacerbate osteoporosis and myopia(short-sightedness) This is becoming a growing epidemic world-wide. There are ongoing studies investigating causative factors of myopia and means of controlling it.
Though control is a challenge, it was found that time spent in sunlight (such as in outdoor activities), decreased the onset by just over 30%. Sensible sun exposure (usually 5–10 min per day of exposure on face, hands, arms and legs, 2 or 3 times per week) plus increased dietary and supplemental vitamin D intakes are reasonable approaches to guarantee vitamin D sufficiency.
For more information please call Edna Martin at Kobrin & Martin Sandton on Tel: 011 884 8413 or email us on kobrinmartin@telkomsa.net
