Can Myopia Be Prevented?

Myopia is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects remain clear. As myopia continues to affect a growing number of individuals, particularly children, many parents and patients ask a crucial question: Can myopia be prevented? While the condition itself cannot be fully prevented, there are ways to slow its progression and manage its impact effectively.

What Causes Myopia?

Myopia occurs when the eye grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This results in blurred distance vision. Genetics play a major role—if one or both parents are nearsighted, a child is more likely to develop myopia. However, environmental factors are also significant contributors, especially in today’s digital age.
 

The modern lifestyle, with increased use of screens and limited outdoor activities, is believed to contribute to the rise in myopia. Prolonged close-up activities such as reading, using tablets or smartphones, and computer use have been linked to the development and worsening of myopia. Spending less time outdoors, where natural light helps the eye develop properly, has also been associated with the increased prevalence of myopia in children.
 

Can Myopia Be Prevented?

While myopia cannot be completely avoided, there are measures that can help reduce the risk or slow its progression:
 

1. Increase Outdoor Time: Studies have shown that children who spend more time outdoors tend to have a lower risk of developing myopia. Natural light helps with healthy eye development, and outdoor activities reduce time spent on close-up tasks that strain the eyes.
 

2. Limit Screen Time and Close-Up Work: Encouraging children and adults to take regular breaks during reading or screen time is essential. The “20-20-20 rule” is a great guideline: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds to give the eyes a break.
 

3. Regular Eye Exams: Early detection of myopia is critical for managing its progression. Routine comprehensive eye exams allow eye care professionals to monitor vision changes and implement treatments if necessary.
 

4. Myopia Management Treatments: Myopia control options have been developed to slow the progression of myopia in children, including:
 

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine eye drops are a proven method for slowing the progression of myopia. These drops work by reducing the eye's tendency to elongate, which helps minimize the worsening of nearsightedness over time. Atropine treatment is generally used in low doses to minimize side effects while providing effective results.
   

• MiSight Contact Lenses: MiSight contact lenses are specifically designed for children with myopia. These daily disposable lenses use special technology to not only correct vision but also control the progression of myopia. Studies have shown that MiSight lenses can significantly slow the advancement of nearsightedness, making them a popular choice for young patients.
   

A Personalized Approach to Eye Care at The Eye Care Studio

While there is no guaranteed way to prevent myopia, you can take steps to slow its progression and protect your vision. At The Eye Care Studio, we take a personalized approach to eye care, understanding that each patient’s vision needs are unique. By customizing treatment plans that may include options such as MiSight contact lenses or low-dose atropine, we work with each patient to slow the progression of myopia and safeguard long-term vision health.
 

If your child is showing signs of myopia, schedule an eye exam with The Eye Care Studio to learn more about myopia management and personalized care for your child’s vision. Contact our office in Delaware, Ohio, by calling (740) 306-3600 to book an appointment today.