Research shows that time spent indoors increases risk to childrens' eyesight

Parents are being told to make sure your child spends enough time outdoors or risk damage to their eyesight.

Children's eye health week begins today, and new research shows not getting enough fresh air leads to short-sightedness.

The Association of Optometrists Ireland says the stereotype of people who have bad eyesight spend too much time staring at books or even screens has now been proven wrong and it is in fact about the level of time spent indoors.

Optometrist Lynda McGivney-Nolan said: "We've identified 15 studies, minimum, that all show that children aren't getting enough outdoors time and this is being connected to an increase in myopia or short-sightedness.

"We want to get the message across, this is yet another reason for parents to encourage children in Ireland to get outdoors more."