Myopia is a common refractive error that usually develops in childhood and can progress into early adulthood. While most people with myopia have stable vision by age 20 some adults may continue to see their eyesight worsen.
Myopia control and lifestyle changes can help manage progression and preserve your child’s vision.
What Is Myopia
Myopia, commonly referred to as nearsightedness, is a refractive error that occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved.
This irregular shape causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. As a result, distant objects appear blurry, while close objects can be seen clearly.
Although myopia is a very common condition, it can significantly impact daily life—making driving, reading signs, or even participating in sports more difficult without correction.
How Do I Know If I Have Myopia
Identifying myopia can be as simple as noticing changes in vision. Some common signs of myopia include:
- Blurry vision when looking at distant objects
- Difficulty seeing at night or during low-light situations
- Eye strain or headaches, especially after focusing on faraway objects
However, many children don’t know they have myopia because they might assume it’s normal. Some signs of myopia in children include:
- Squinting to see objects clearly
- Needing to sit closer to a screen or whiteboard
- Complaining about frequent headaches or eye strain
A comprehensive eye exam can detect and correct myopia. With a proper diagnosis, your optometrist can help correct and preserve your child’s vision.
Risk Factors For Myopia
Understanding the risk factors can help you identify your likelihood of developing myopia or how quickly it might progress.
Some common risk factors include:
- Genetics: If you have a family history of myopia, your chances of developing it are higher.
- Lifestyle: Prolonged near work, such as reading, using electronic devices, or focusing on tasks up close for extended periods, can contribute to myopia progression.
- Environmental factors: Poor lighting conditions, limited outdoor time, and high amounts of near work can impact myopia development.
- Age: Children are more likely to develop myopia, especially during periods of rapid growth and changes.
How Do I Stop Myopia From Getting Worse
Myopia increases the risk of developing more serious eye issues later in life, such as retinal detachment, cataracts, and glaucoma.
While some aspects of myopia progression are unavoidable, certain strategies can help slow progression:
- Increase time outdoors: Studies suggest that spending more time outdoors can slow the progression of myopia in children. Natural light can regulate eye growth, reducing the likelihood of myopia worsening.
- Take regular breaks from near work: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something at least 20 feet away. This is referred to as the 20-20-20 rule and helps give your eyes time to relax.
- Maintain good visual hygiene: Make sure to read in well-lit areas and avoid excessive use of screens or prolonged periods of close-up tasks.
- Regular eye exams: Eye exams can identify changes in vision early, allowing you to address them before they get worse.
Discuss your concerns with your optometrist to determine which strategies may be the best fit for your vision needs and goals.
How Are Aging & Myopia Connected?
Myopia tends to progress the fastest during childhood and teenage years, as the eye is still growing. Generally, after the age of 25, myopia stabilizes. However, changes can still occur due to environmental factors, stress, lifestyle choices, or continued near work.
While the rate of progression slows as you age, myopia can increase even after 25, especially if you spend a significant time focusing on near tasks without prioritizing your eye health.
If you notice your prescription has changed later in life, it’s important to see your optometrist to rule out other potential causes and discuss treatment options.
Myopia Treatments
Whether you’re a child or an adult, there are treatment options that can help control myopia and reduce progression.
Multifocal lenses, like MiSight contact lenses, can help control the progression of myopia. These daily disposable lenses correct nearsightedness while helping slow the rate of myopia in children.
These contact lenses are one of many options to treat myopia. Consult your optometrist for detailed, personalized guidance.
Protect Your Vision With Regular Eye Exams
For children and adults alike, regular eye exams are essential. They help determine your current prescription and monitor changes over time to catch potential issues early.
If you suspect your child has myopia, don’t wait for their vision to worsen! Our team is here to provide comprehensive eye care and tailored guidance. Schedule your eye exam today to take the first step in safeguarding long-term vision and overall ocular health.
