Imagine a school where none of the students wear glasses! 🤓❌ In the remote mountains of southwest China's Yunnan Province, there's a rural boarding school in Wantang where over 500 students have perfect vision. 👁️✨
In a country where more than half of the children and adolescents struggle with nearsightedness, this is a big deal. China is stepping up its game to protect the eye health of young people, aiming to reduce myopia rates significantly by 2030.
What's the Magic Trick? 🪄
The secret weapon at Wantang school isn't magic—it's outdoor fun! 🏃♂️🌳 Students here spend three hours every day playing outside. From on-campus playtime and PE classes to 10-minute breaks between lessons and after-school activities, the kids are always on the move.
And it's working! Another primary school in the same area copied these practices and saw their myopia rates drop from 42.5% to just 13.8% between 2020 and 2023. Talk about eye-opening results! 👀🎉
Understanding Hyperopia Reserve 📚
Most of us are born a bit farsighted. As we grow, this farsightedness—or hyperopia reserve—naturally decreases. Think of it like a savings account for your eyes. 🏦 Each hour spent staring at screens 📱 or books 📖 without breaks withdraws from this account. Spend it too fast, and you're more likely to become nearsighted.
That's why China is focusing on monitoring hyperopia reserve by providing regular eye exams for kids as young as two years old.
Parents Join the Mission 👨👩👧👦
Parents are jumping on board, too! On social media platforms like Xiaohongshu, young moms and dads share tips and experiences on protecting their kids' eyes. They emphasize healthy habits and, of course, more outdoor playtime! 🌞
More Playgrounds, Less Screen Time 🏀
Cities across China are transforming public spaces to be more child-friendly. From new basketball courts to community centers, there's a big push to get kids outside and active.
Ma Shengce, a primary school student in Guangzhou, is thrilled: "Now, I can enjoy climbing and sliding right after school, which adds excitement to my daily routine!" 🧗♀️😁
The Bigger Picture 🌐
By making eye health a national priority, China is setting an example of how combining education, parental involvement, and community resources can make a real difference. So, next time you're choosing between an extra episode of your favorite show or a walk in the park, remember: your eyes might thank you! 😉👓
Reference(s):
China steps up efforts to protect eye health of young people
cgtn.com
