Myopia is becoming increasingly common, particularly among children and young adults. While genetics play a role in its development, environmental factors such as prolonged screen time and limited outdoor activity can contribute to its progression. Fortunately, lifestyle changes and professional myopia management treatments can help slow its advancement and protect long-term eye health.

Increase Outdoor Time

Research shows that spending more time outdoors—at least 90 minutes per day—can help reduce the risk of myopia progression in children. Natural light plays a crucial role in eye development and can slow the elongation of the eyeball, which causes myopia.
 

Limit Screen Time and Near Work

Excessive use of digital devices and prolonged near work (such as reading or studying) can contribute to eye strain and myopia progression. The 20-20-20 rule—taking a 20-second break every 20 minutes to look at something 20 feet away—can help reduce eye fatigue.
 

Ensuring good lighting, maintaining a proper reading distance (at least 14 inches from books and 18-24 inches from screens), and avoiding prolonged near tasks without breaks can help protect vision.
 

Practice Good Eye Health Habits

A balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, along with omega-3 fatty acids, supports eye health. Additionally, adequate sleep, proper hydration, and regular pediatric eye exams are essential for maintaining visual function and detecting myopia progression early.
 

The Role of Myopia Management Treatments

While lifestyle changes can help slow myopia progression, they may not be enough on their own. Myopia management treatments, guided by an optometrist, provide additional protection against worsening vision and potential eye complications in the future.
 

• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K lenses are specially designed contact lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea, reducing myopia progression and providing clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops have been shown to slow the progression of myopia in children by relaxing the eye's focusing mechanism.

• Multifocal Contact Lenses or Glasses: These lenses help reduce eye strain and slow myopia progression by altering the way light enters the eye, reducing excessive focusing effort.

Every patient’s myopia progression is different. A comprehensive eye exam at Ishigo Optometry allows for a customized approach to managing myopia effectively.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

While myopia cannot be reversed, proactive steps can be taken to slow its progression and reduce the risk of future eye health complications. A combination of lifestyle modifications and professional myopia management treatments provides the best approach to preserving vision and long-term eye health.
 

If your child has myopia, early intervention is key to preventing severe vision problems later in life. Schedule an eye exam with Ishigo Optometry to explore the best myopia management options for your child’s needs. Visit our office in Gardena, California, or call (888) 564-0016 to book an appointment today.