21 May 2026
Outdoor time has been added as a new risk factor within the Brien Holden Vision Institute myopia calculator.
The free calculator, which can be accessed online, provides evidence-based predictions about a child’s risk of developing myopia.
The addition of the new risk factor enables clinicians to observe the effect of outdoor time on myopia onset risk and expected rate of progression.
The BHVI calculator has been developed in partnership with the Shanghai Eye Disease Prevention and Treatment Centre, Ulster University, and Linnaeus University.
A statement from BHVI highlighted that research shows that spending two hours outdoors each day is associated with a reduced risk of myopia in school-aged children.
“While gaps remain in defining optimal light parameters – intensity, spectrum, and timing – there is strong consensus supporting increased outdoor activity as an evidence-based strategy to delay myopia onset,” BHVI noted.
The BHVI myopia calculator is accessed by “tens of thousands” of users each month.
“The calculator provides evidence-based predictions across treatment, prevention and management options, to help eye care practitioners determine the best course of action for at risk or myopic children and enable informed discussion with parents,” BHVI highlighted.
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