Spending time playing or doing sports outside the home not only helps children move more: according to recent research, dedicate at least seven hours per week to Outdoor Activities It is associated with half the risk of developing myopia. compared to those who spend most of their time indoors. The finding reinforces the idea that natural light is a key factor in children's visual health.
The work, carried out by Department of Ophthalmology at the University Clinic of Navarra in students from the Community of MadridThis study quantifies a trend that is causing concern across Europe: the steady rise in childhood myopia, in parallel with the increase in screen time and indoor leisure activities. The results have been considered particularly relevant for guiding prevention policies and recommendations for families and schools.
A study with more than two thousand schoolchildren from Madrid
The investigation analyzed 2.262 schoolchildren from different educational centers in the Community of Madrid, in collaboration with the Spanish Association of High Myopia with Retinopathies (AMIRES). All participants underwent an ophthalmological examination to measure refractive error and answered questionnaires about family history and lifestyle habits, including the number of hours they spent outdoors each week.
When comparing the data, the team observed that The group of children who spent more than seven hours a week outdoors had a 9% rate of myopia.Among those who spent more time indoors, the percentage rose to 18%. In other words, the proportion of children with this visual impairment doubled in those who had less contact with natural light.
Dr. Sergio Recalde, a researcher at the Experimental Ophthalmology Laboratory of the University Clinic of Navarra, points out that This difference of 9% versus 18% allows us to speak of an approximate 50% reduction in the risk of myopia. associated with time spent outdoors. For the authors, this is a consistent relationship within the environmental factors analyzed.
The questionnaires also gathered information about the family environment and daily routines, which has allowed us to confirm that Decreased time spent outdoors is consistently associated with a higher incidence of myopia.In a context where screens and sedentary leisure are gaining ground, this data takes on special relevance for the Spanish and European child population.
In addition to visual assessments and questionnaires, the team wanted to incorporate an objective measure of actual sun exposure, beyond what families might remember or estimate. To achieve this, they used a technology that is gradually gaining traction in ophthalmological research.
CUVAF: the “solar footprint” that reveals how much light the eye receives
In a subsample of Ultraviolet conjunctival autofluorescence was measured in 1.129 children.This parameter is known by its acronym CUVAF. This indicator functions as a kind of "sun fingerprint" on the surface of the eye, capable of reflecting the accumulated exposure time to ultraviolet light from the outside.
According to the authors of the study, CUVAF has revealed itself as an objective, rapid, non-invasive and useful biomarker for estimating the incidence of outdoor light in childhoodIts main advantage is that it does not depend on the memory of parents or children, but on changes measurable directly on the eye tissue, making it especially interesting for screening and prevention programs.
Dr. Miriam de la Puente, an ophthalmology specialist at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, points out that this biomarker It appears more frequently and intensely in children who spend more hours in the sun.The analyses show that there is an inverse relationship: the more marked the CUVAF footprint, the lower the probability that the child will have myopia.
This inverse behavior makes the CUVAF a promising tool for early identification of children at higher risk of developing myopia and also to check, over time, whether the recommendations to spend more time outdoors are being followed. This way, healthcare professionals can better tailor preventive advice and follow-up for each patient.
Preliminary results from other academic work linked to the University of Navarra also suggest that CUVAF could be related to lifestyle aspects beyond visual healthThis opens the door to future research on its usefulness in other fields.
More benefits than sight: lifestyle and overall health
The additional research mentioned by the Navarra team suggests that people with a Those with a higher CUVAF footprint tend to have a lower body fat index and improved indicators in variables such as sleep quality and memory capacity. These data, although still preliminary, support the idea that an active outdoor lifestyle has a positive impact on various aspects of health.
Thus, spending more time playing in the park, practicing sports in school playgrounds, or engaging in leisure activities in open spaces could translate not only into less risk of myopia, but also in a improved physical fitness and a better quality night's sleepNatural light and movement appear to act together as protective factors against several health problems.
The experts emphasize that these findings support the recommendation that The entire population, and especially children, should regularly incorporate outdoor activities into their weekly routine.In a European context where sedentary lifestyles and intensive use of electronic devices are widespread, this measure can be relatively easy to implement and have a significant impact.
However, experts also emphasize the importance of maintaining proper sun protection habitsThis includes wearing a hat or cap, certified sunglasses, and sunscreen, especially during the midday hours. The key is finding a balance that allows you to take advantage of the benefits of natural light while minimizing the risks associated with excessive exposure.
The authors of the study insist that this data should not be interpreted as an invitation to neglect other preventive measures, but rather as This is yet another argument for promoting a less sedentary lifestyle for children, one that is more connected to the outdoors.both in the family and school environment.
A growing problem: myopia in children and young people
The work of the University Clinic of Navarra is framed within a worrying context: Childhood myopia is increasing significantly in Spain and the rest of EuropeVarious studies, such as data collected in specific myopia barometers, indicate that a significant proportion of school-aged children already have this visual defect.
In the primary school age group, it is estimated that Around one in five children may be nearsightedWhile among young people the figures are even higher. Factors such as increased close-quarters work, intensive screen use, and reduced outdoor play in natural environments are cited as causes of this upward trend.
Dr. Sergio Recalde points out that, among the environmental factors, Reduced outdoor activity has been consistently linked to a higher incidence of myopia.This means that, although genetics still plays a significant role, the environment and daily habits can tip the scales towards a greater or lesser probability of developing the problem.
Clinical practice shows that Myopia that appears at an early age tends to progress more rapidlyThis increases the risk that, in adulthood, the patient will develop high prescriptions associated with more serious eye complications. For this reason, specialists emphasize that prevention during childhood is crucial.
The message that ophthalmologists are sending to European families is relatively clear: It's not just about limiting screen time, but about ensuring a minimum number of quality hours outdoors each week.The seven hours proposed by the study as a reference can be divided into daily walksschool sports, weekend excursions, or simply playing in the park.
How families and schools can help
Given this scenario, visual health experts recommend that homes and schools introduce simple but constant changes in the organization of children's timeOne of the most direct measures is to prioritize outdoor activities over indoor leisure alternatives.
In the family setting, it is suggested to organize regular outings to parks, green spaces or sports facilitiesReduce passive screen time and encourage games that involve movement and exposure to daylight. These aren't complicated plans, but rather ways to gradually incorporate these routines into your daily life.
In schools, researchers point to the importance of maintain and, where possible, expand outdoor recreationas well as promoting sports classes or activities in outdoor playgrounds and fields. These organizational decisions can help children accumulate the hours of exposure to natural light that the study links to a lower risk of myopia.
Experts also emphasize the role of regular check-ups: It is recommended that children undergo regular eye examsespecially if there is a family history of myopia or if warning signs are detected such as blurred vision on the blackboard, headaches at the end of the day, or the need to get very close to objects.
Combining Preventive habits, sufficient time outdoors, and early diagnosis This could make a significant difference in the evolution of children's visual health in Spain and other European countries, where the prevalence of myopia continues to rise.
Early signs of myopia in childhood
Detecting myopia early is crucial to prevent it from going unnoticed for years. Experts recommend that parents and teachers be vigilant. certain behaviors that may indicate difficulty seeing at a distanceespecially in school-aged children.
Among the most common signs are the blurred vision when looking at distant objectsFor example, the blackboard in class or signs in the street, and the tendency to get too close to books, tablets, or notebooks to read comfortably. Headaches can also occur after periods of prolonged visual strain.
Another common clue is that the minor squint or blink more frequently than normal when trying to focus on distant objects, or showing signs of eye strain at the end of the day. These signs are not always easy to identify, but it's advisable to consult a professional if they occur regularly.
In the current context, where schoolwork and digital leisure occupy many hours, this is especially important alternate tasks in close proximity with visual breaks and exposure to natural lightShort breaks to look out at the patio, gaze into the distance, or go for a walk can help relieve accumulated eye strain.
Experts insist that, when in doubt, the most prudent course of action is request an eye exam to obtain an accurate diagnosisTimely control allows for the correction of refractive errors and the application of strategies that help to slow the progression of myopia, especially in cases that begin at very young ages.
All this body of evidence positions time spent outdoors as a significant preventative measure. Data from the University of Navarra Clinic, based on thousands of schoolchildren in Madrid, supports the idea that A simple modification of weekly routines—ensuring at least seven hours of outdoor activities—can halve the risk of childhood myopia.while promoting a more active and healthy lifestyle for children and their families.
