How Certain Lifestyle Changes Can Help Prevent Myopia from Worsening

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common in children around the world. While genetics do play a role, modern lifestyles are significant contributors to the progression of myopia. Fortunately, there are proactive steps parents can take to help prevent their child’s myopia from worsening.

What Causes Myopia in Children?

Myopia occurs when the eyeball grows too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This makes distant objects appear blurry. Several factors can influence this condition in children:

• Genetics: Children with one or both myopic parents have a higher risk of developing myopia.

• Prolonged Near Work: Spending long hours on close-up tasks like reading or using tablets and smartphones may increase the risk of developing myopia or accelerating its progression.

• Lack of Outdoor Time: Studies suggest that children who spend less time outdoors are more likely to develop myopia.

Lifestyle Changes to Help Slow Myopia Progression

While you can’t change genetics, modifying daily habits can make a big difference in managing your child’s eye health.

• Increase Outdoor Time: Encourage your child to spend at least 90 minutes to 2 hours outside each day. Natural light and long-distance focusing help reduce the risk of myopia progression.

• Limit Screen Time and Near Work: Practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away. This gives eyes a chance to relax and reset.

• Create a Myopia-Friendly Study Environment: Ensure adequate lighting when your child is reading or studying. Maintain proper posture and keep books or screens at least 14-16 inches away from the eyes.

• Regular Eye Exams: Annual comprehensive eye exams allow your optometrist to monitor changes in vision and recommend early interventions if necessary.

The Importance of Myopia Management

If your child is already showing signs of myopia, early intervention is key. At Seeing Perfect Eye Care, we offer advanced myopia management solutions, including MiSight® 1 day contact lenses. These lenses are the first FDA-approved soft contact lenses proven to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8-12. These daily lenses not only correct vision but also help manage long-term eye health by reducing the risk of complications later in life, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

By encouraging healthy habits and seeking professional myopia management, you can help protect your child’s vision and overall eye health. Lifestyle changes, combined with effective treatments like MiSight® 1 day lenses, offer a comprehensive approach to slowing myopia progression.

Schedule a pediatric eye exam with Seeing Perfect Eye Care to learn more about myopia control options and how we can support your child’s visual future. Visit our office in Chamblee, Georgia, or call (404) 806-6884 to book an appointment today.