Outdoor Activity and Childhood Myopia: How Sunlight Helps Control Axial Growth

Childhood myopia rates are rising rapidly worldwide, especially in East Asia, where more than 50% of school-aged children are already affected. Research shows that outdoor activity and natural light exposure play a key role in slowing myopia progression, particularly by controlling excessive axial elongation. In this article, we’ll explore the science behind how sunlight influences eye development and provide practical outdoor vision-care tips for children.

1. The Link Between Childhood Myopia and Axial Growth

What is axial length? The axial length is the distance from the cornea to the retina. Normally, its growth is balanced with the eye’s focusing power, ensuring light lands precisely on the retina.

How myopia develops: When the axial length grows too long, light focuses in front of the retina, causing blurred distance vision.

Key point: The progression of myopia in children is directly linked to accelerated axial elongation.

2. Why Outdoor Activity Helps Control Myopia

Sunlight stimulates dopamine release

Natural light triggers dopamine production in the retina, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate eye growth and prevents excessive elongation.

Higher light intensity outdoors

Outdoor light is far brighter than indoor lighting, even on cloudy days. This intensity helps maintain healthy axial development.

More opportunities for distance focus

Outdoor environments encourage children to look at distant objects, giving their eyes a break from near work and reducing strain.

Support for circadian rhythm

Outdoor light helps regulate children’s circadian rhythm, improving sleep quality and indirectly supporting healthy eye growth.

3. Scientific Evidence

Studies show that each additional hour of outdoor activity per day can reduce the risk of developing myopia by about 10%.

The WHO recommends that children spend at least 2 hours outdoors daily to prevent myopia progression.

Large-scale studies in China and Singapore confirm that increased outdoor time significantly slows the rate of axial elongation in children.

4. Practical Outdoor Eye-Care Tips

Aim for at least 2 hours outdoors daily

Activities like sports, walking, or outdoor playtime are best done under natural light.

Protect against UV damage

Use UV-protective sunglasses or hats during outdoor activities to shield eyes from excessive sunlight.

Combine with good visual habits

Indoors, continue following healthy practices such as the 20-20-20 rule to reduce near-work strain.

Use supportive technology

For children with a family history of myopia or higher risk, supportive eye-care devices like the Skaphor Vision Revival Device can be added to daily routines.

Its Micropulse Photoreceptive Repair Technology helps relieve visual fatigue and supports balanced eye development.

Preventing childhood myopia is not only about reducing near work but also about increasing outdoor activity and sunlight exposure. Sunlight supports dopamine release, regulates axial growth, and strengthens the eye’s natural defenses. By combining outdoor time with healthy visual habits and supportive eye-care technology, children can reduce their risk of developing myopia while maintaining healthy vision for learning and growth.