VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron and Dr. Michelle Skowron NATURAL LIGHT AND VISION HEALTH Did you know that if children spend too much time indoors, their eyes don't develop properly? Research shows that lack of sunlight is causing more people to develop myopia (nearsightedness), which makes it difficult to see things at a distance. Dopamine is a growth inhibitor, and sunlight increases dopamine release. This prevents the overgrowth and elongation of the eye, which is what causes nearsightedness. Bright, natural light helps developing eyes maintain the correct distance between the lens and the retina, which are responsible for keeping things in focus. While natural light promotes eye health, the blue light emitted from electronic devices can damage vision and disrupt healthy sleeping patterns. Electronic devices also cause people to spend more time indoors. While going outdoors for a prolonged period without protection from the sun's UV rays can damage the skin and the eyes, there have been new developments that show how natural light can facilitate normal eye development among kids. It is good for adults, too. The next time you decide to stay indoors while the sun is brightly shining outside, think again. You can help your eyes by staying under the sun. To schedule an eye exam, please call SKOWRON EYE CARE. At Skowron Eye Care, our mission is your vision. P.S. Studies show that kids who play outdoor sports develop nearsightedness at a lower rate than kids who play indoor sports. SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York, Elmhurst, IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com VIEWS FOR 20/20 by Dr. Mark Skowron and Dr. Michelle Skowron NATURAL LIGHT AND VISION HEALTH Did you know that if children spend too much time indoors , their eyes don't develop properly ? Research shows that lack of sunlight is causing more people to develop myopia ( nearsightedness ) , which makes it difficult to see things at a distance . Dopamine is a growth inhibitor , and sunlight increases dopamine release . This prevents the overgrowth and elongation of the eye , which is what causes nearsightedness . Bright , natural light helps developing eyes maintain the correct distance between the lens and the retina , which are responsible for keeping things in focus . While natural light promotes eye health , the blue light emitted from electronic devices can damage vision and disrupt healthy sleeping patterns . Electronic devices also cause people to spend more time indoors . While going outdoors for a prolonged period without protection from the sun's UV rays can damage the skin and the eyes , there have been new developments that show how natural light can facilitate normal eye development among kids . It is good for adults , too . The next time you decide to stay indoors while the sun is brightly shining outside , think again . You can help your eyes by staying under the sun . To schedule an eye exam , please call SKOWRON EYE CARE . At Skowron Eye Care , our mission is your vision . P.S. Studies show that kids who play outdoor sports develop nearsightedness at a lower rate than kids who play indoor sports . SKOWRON EYE CARE 370 N. York , Elmhurst , IL 60126 630-834-6244 www.skowroneyecare.com