Physical activity and myopia in Danish children-The CHAMPS Eye Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Myopia prevalence is increasing globally, particularly in school-aged children.
• Understanding the environmental and behavioral factors influencing myopia development is crucial for effective prevention strategies.
• Physical activity (PA) is a modifiable behavior with potential implications for eye health.

Purpose of the Study:

• To determine the association between objectively measured physical activity (PA) and myopia in Danish school children.
• To investigate the prevalence of myopia in a Danish child cohort.

Main Methods:

• Prospective longitudinal study involving 307 Danish children (Childhood Health, Activity, and Motor Performance School (CHAMPS) Eye Study).
• Objective PA measurement using ActiGraph accelerometers four times between ages 9.7 and 15.4 years.
• Ophthalmologic examination at mean age 15.4 years, including cycloplegic autorefraction and biometry.

Main Results:

• The prevalence of myopia (spherical equivalent ≤-0.5 dioptres) was 17.9%.
• Mean axial length was 23.5 ± 0.9 mm; mean spherical equivalent was 0.30 ± 1.46 dioptres.
• No significant association was found between PA (intensity or duration) and myopia (spherical equivalent or axial length) through linear or slope analysis.

Conclusions:

• The prevalence of myopia in this Danish child cohort is 17.9%.
• This study, utilizing objective and repeated PA data, found no association between physical activity and myopia development in children.
• Further research may explore other factors contributing to myopia progression.