Should physical activity or contact sports be discouraged if one has a minus number? No ratings yet.

NO. The child should be encouraged to grow up normally and in fact encouraged to take up physical activity. Most children who are shortsighted end up preferring indoor activities and books rather than outdoor sports. It is up to the parents to push the child to explore the world outside the house with their glasses on. It is true that myopes are more prone to retinal detachment. However, an annual retinal examination by your eye doctor will reveal any thinned out areas of the retina requiring preventive treatment. If none exist, no restrictions need apply in spite of there being a “high” minus number. In fact, as mentioned in an earlier answer, outdoor activities seem to benefit children with minus numbers.. the number increases less rapidly!