Choroidal thickness and myopia in relation to physical activity - the CHAMPS Eye Study

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Pediatrics
• Public Health

Background:

• Myopia is a growing global health concern.
• Choroidal thickness (CT) is a key ocular parameter potentially influenced by environmental factors.
• Understanding factors affecting CT in children is crucial for myopia management.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the relationship between choroidal thickness (CT) and myopia.
• To examine the influence of physical activity (PA) on CT in a pediatric cohort.

Main Methods:

• Prospective study of 307 children (CHAMPS Study Denmark).
• Objective PA assessment using accelerometers (2009-2015).
• Eye examinations included autorefraction, axial length (AL) measurement, and enhanced depth imaging optical coherence tomography for CT measurement at multiple locations.

Main Results:

• Mean age was 15.4 years; mean AL was 23.5 mm; mean subfoveal CT was 369 μm.
• CT was thinner in myopic eyes and in boys.
• No significant association was found between total PA or PA intensity levels and CT or AL.

Conclusions:

• Objective physical activity exposures were not associated with choroidal thickness, axial length, or refractive error in adolescents aged 14-17 years.
• Findings suggest PA may not be a direct determinant of CT or myopia progression in this age group.