Myopia, or nearsightedness, is becoming increasingly common. Mild blurry vision might not seem like a big deal, but myopia is progressive, meaning it can worsen over time.
Many factors can influence myopia progression, including genetics and lifestyle habits, such as spending too much time on near-work, poor screen viewing habits, and limited outdoor time.
People with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry, making activities like reading road signs, watching movies, or seeing a classroom whiteboard challenging.
The good news? You can take steps to prevent or slow down myopia progression, especially in kids.
Why Is Myopia on the Rise?
Over the past few decades, the number of individuals (especially children) developing myopia has exploded worldwide. While genetics plays a role, lifestyle changes and modern habits are significant factors in this trend.
Here’s a breakdown of key factors that contribute to myopia worsening over time, along with steps you can take to protect your family’s eye health.
1. Genetics
One of the biggest predictors of myopia? Family history. If one or both parents have nearsightedness, their children are at a higher risk of developing myopia.
But genetics doesn’t explain everything. Even in families where no one has nearsightedness, we see a significant rise in cases. What’s changed? It likely has to do with how we use our eyes today compared to previous generations.
2. Eye Growth During Childhood & Adolescence
Myopia often begins in childhood, typically between ages 6—14. The eyes are still growing and vision is developing, so kids’ eyes are more prone to changes.
When the eyeball grows too long from front to back, it causes light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it—the inaccurate focus results in blurred distance vision.
Rapid physical changes during teenage years, including hormonal shifts, can also keep myopia progressing. For most people, myopia stabilizes in early adulthood, but for others (especially those with high myopia), it may continue to worsen into their 20s or beyond.
3. Modern Lifestyles & Screen Time
Many lifestyle habits today increase the strain on our eyes. One major factor? Increased screen time.
Whether it’s smartphones, tablets, or computers, kids and teens are spending more time focusing on objects just inches away from their eyes. Excessive near-work can worsen the progression of myopia.
Another modern reality is the lack of time spent outdoors. Multiple studies have shown that natural sunlight is good for growing eyes and can help lower the risk of developing myopia.
Kids who spend more time indoors, whether studying, gaming, or streaming videos, could miss out on the protective benefits of outdoor play.
4. Poor Visual & Lifestyle Habits
Daily habits can significantly contribute to eye strain and myopia progression. For instance:
- Reading in dim light or holding books & devices too close can strain the eyes
- Not taking breaks during long study sessions or extended screen time can place additional stress on your vision
- Leading a sedentary, indoor-dominant lifestyle, as active children tend to spend more time outside & less time on screens, which can have protective effects on eye health
How Can You Help Stop Myopia from Getting Worse?
While genetics may not be something you can change, you can take several steps to help slow or prevent myopia from progressing. Practical lifestyle tips can make a difference, especially for kids and teens.
Healthy Eye Habits to Start Today
Support your child’s vision with these healthy eye habits:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule to give your eyes regular breaks & reduce screen time
- Looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds for every 20 minutes of close-up work
- Encourage outdoor time by setting a goal to spend at least 1–2 hours outside each day
- Activities like walking, cycling, or sports support overall health & can help keep vision healthy too
- Use proper lighting when reading or doing homework
- Poor lighting can stress the eyes unnecessarily
- Maintain a healthy viewing distance for screens, books, & other near-vision work
- Keep books & screens at an elbow-to-hand distance away from their eyes
- Monitor screen time & balance it out with other activities
- Focus on limiting recreational screen time (not homework time) & encourage frequent breaks to reduce digital eye strain
- Promote physical activity to support overall health
- A more active lifestyle supports physical health, mental health, & vision health
Myopia Treatment Options
If you or your child has already been diagnosed with myopia, don’t worry. Today, effective treatment options are available to help manage it. These treatments can correct blurry vision and slow the progression of myopia.
Prescription Glasses & Contact Lenses
Standard prescription glasses and soft contact lenses are the most common way to correct refractive errors like myopia that cause blurry vision. At Lake Country Optometry, we provide a variety of prescription eyewear options to suit different needs and preferences.
While traditional corrective lenses effectively sharpen vision for daily activities, they don’t prevent vision from worsening on their own. Regular eye exams and proper prescription updates are essential for managing vision changes as children grow.
Specialized Myopia Control Eyeglasses
Specialized myopia control eyeglasses use innovative lens technologies to both correct vision and slow myopia progression. These advanced lenses create specific focusing patterns that help signal the eye to slow its elongation while maintaining clear central vision.
Studies show they can reduce myopia progression in children by up to 50-60% compared to standard glasses. They look just like regular eyewear and provide a non-invasive option for children who aren’t ready for contact lenses.
Multifocal Contact Lenses
Multifocal contact lenses designed for myopia control can enhance vision at multiple distances and help slow the progression of myopia. The soft, daily disposable design can make it easy for kids to handle and wear comfortably.
Atropine Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops can help the eye relax and counteract the focusing stress linked with worsening nearsightedness. These prescription eye drops are best used at bedtime, as atropine can temporarily cause blurry vision.
While atropine can help slow down myopia progression, it doesn’t sharpen blurry vision itself. Your child’s eye doctor will likely recommend using atropine in combination with other myopia control strategies.
Caring for Your Vision with Lake Country Optometry
At Lake Country Optometry, we understand how myopia can impact every stage of life. Whether it’s helping a child see the board in school or safeguarding their long-term eye health, we’re passionate about providing you with proactive, experienced care.
If you’re concerned about your child’s screen habits, noticing changes in their vision, or want to learn more about myopia treatment options, book your child’s comprehensive eye exam with us today.
