If you’ve noticed your myopia, or nearsightedness, getting worse, you’re not alone. Myopia progression is common, especially during childhood and adolescence, and it can be frustrating when your vision keeps changing.
While genetics play a role, things like spending too much time on screens, environmental factors, or focusing on nearby objects can also cause your myopia to worsen.
Understanding these causes can help you take steps to manage and slow down the progression of myopia, helping protect your long-term eye health.
Understanding Myopia Progression
Essentially, myopia occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back, causing light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it.
This growth often starts in childhood and can worsen as the eye continues to grow. The speed at which myopia progresses varies from person to person. Regular eye check-ups, ideally every year, are crucial for keeping tabs on its development.
Many factors contribute to the progression of myopia. These include:
- Genetics
- Environmental influences
- Lifestyle choices
Each factor plays a role, and identifying which ones affect you can be key to managing the condition. If you’ve been noticing changes, it’s worth investigating further.
Myopia can lead to other eye issues if left unchecked, such as an increased risk of retinal detachment.
Genetic Factors Contributing to Myopia
Genetics have a significant say in whether you’re likely to be nearsighted. If your parents are myopic, there’s a higher chance you will be too.
Studies suggest that the risk of developing myopia rises considerably when both parents have the condition. While you can’t change your genetic makeup, being aware of this risk can help you focus on preventive measures.
Impact of Prolonged Screen Time & Near Work
In today’s digital age, screen time is almost unavoidable. Whether it’s work or entertainment, we’re glued to screens more than ever before.
Unfortunately, this prolonged screen time is linked to worsening myopia. Focusing on screens or doing near work for long stretches can strain the eyes, potentially accelerating myopia progression.
Taking breaks during screen time is essential. The 20-20-20 rule is a helpful guideline—look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes. This practice can reduce eye strain and help maintain optimal eye health.
Environmental Influences on Myopia Development
Your environment can significantly impact your eye health. Studies indicate that spending time outdoors is beneficial for preventing or slowing myopia.
Natural light and focusing on distant objects help relax the eyes and promote healthy growth.
On the flip side, poor lighting conditions, whether dim or overly bright, can strain your eyes. Ensuring your living and working environments are well-lit can make a big difference. Adjusting your surroundings to reduce glare and improve lighting can help reduce eye strain.
Growth & Changes During Childhood
Children’s eyes are still developing, which makes them particularly susceptible to myopia progression.
The eye’s growth patterns during childhood set the stage for long-term vision quality. Therefore, addressing myopia early on is crucial for preventing rapid progression.
Regular eye exams are vital for children, even more so than adults. Detecting myopia early allows for timely intervention, which can include corrective lenses or lifestyle changes. The goal is to manage the condition before it worsens.
Managing & Slowing Down Myopia Progression
While myopia can’t be cured, its progression can certainly be managed through various methods. Here are some effective options to consider:
Low-Dose Atropine Drops
Low-dose atropine eye drops have gained attention for their ability to slow myopia progression in children and adolescents. Administered nightly, these drops help reduce the elongation of the eyeball, which is a key factor in the development of myopia.
Multifocal Contacts
Multifocal contact lenses are designed to provide different focal points for distance and near vision, allowing for better visual clarity at multiple distances.
These lenses can help in managing myopia by reducing the strain on the eyes when focusing on close-up tasks, ultimately slowing down its progression.
Multifocal Glasses
Similar to multifocal contacts, multifocal glasses offer various lens powers in one pair, catering to both distance and near vision needs. Wearing these glasses can help alleviate the eye strain associated with myopia, particularly during activities like reading or using digital devices.
Regular check-ups with your eye care professional can ensure that your prescription is up-to-date and effective in managing your condition.
Ortho-K
Orthokeratology, or Ortho-K, involves wearing specially designed gas-permeable contact lenses overnight. These lenses gently reshape the cornea while you sleep, allowing for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contacts.
Ortho-K has shown promise in slowing the progression of myopia, making it an appealing option for those looking for non-surgical solutions. It’s important to consult with an eye care professional to determine if Ortho-K is a good fit for your needs.
Need Help Managing Myopia?
Understanding the factors contributing to worsening myopia is crucial for effective management. From genetics to lifestyle and environmental influences, multiple elements play a role. By being proactive and making informed decisions, you can slow its progression and maintain better eye health.
Remember, annual eye exams are fundamental. They provide the opportunity for early detection and timely interventions, setting you up for long-term success in managing your vision.
If you haven’t had an eye exam this year, consider scheduling one soon with Vision Care Center to ensure your eyes are in the best possible health.
