Can Lifestyle Changes Help Prevent or Delay Nearsightedness?

Nearsightedness is becoming increasingly common among children. While genetics play a role, research has shown that lifestyle factors also influence the development and progression of myopia. If you're a parent concerned about your child’s vision, understanding how small changes in daily habits can make a difference is key. Additionally, knowing when to seek professional help for myopia control is just as important.
 

How Lifestyle Affects Vision

Myopia typically develops during childhood and progresses throughout the teenage years. Prolonged near work like reading, writing, or using screens can increase the risk. Conversely, spending more time outdoors has been shown to help slow the onset and progression of nearsightedness.

Here are a few lifestyle recommendations to help reduce your child’s risk:

• Encourage outdoor time: Aim for at least 90 minutes of outdoor activity per day.

• Implement the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break to look at something 20 feet away.

• Limit screen time: Reduce recreational screen use, especially before bedtime.

• Ensure proper lighting: Reading or screen use in poor lighting can cause additional strain on the eyes.
 

When to Consider Myopia Control

While lifestyle changes are beneficial, they may not be enough to stop the progression of myopia in every child. If your child’s prescription continues to worsen at each eye exam, or if myopia is detected at an early age, your optometrist may recommend myopia control treatments.
 

Effective Treatments We Offer

MiSight® 1 day contact lenses are FDA-approved daily disposable lenses designed specifically to slow the progression of myopia in children aged 8 to 12. These lenses not only correct vision during the day but also work to reduce the worsening of nearsightedness over time, making them a convenient and effective option for young patients.

Atropine eye drops offer another proven method for myopia control. These low-dose drops are typically used once nightly and have been shown to significantly slow myopia progression without causing major side effects, such as blurred near vision or overly dilated pupils. They are especially helpful for children who are not ready for contact lens wear.

Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) involves custom-designed lenses that are worn overnight. While the child sleeps, the lenses gently reshape the cornea, allowing for clear vision throughout the day without the need for glasses or daytime contacts. In addition to correcting vision temporarily, Ortho-K has been found to slow the progression of myopia over time.
 

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

Lifestyle changes can absolutely support eye health and may help delay the onset of nearsightedness. However, when myopia progresses rapidly or begins at a young age, proactive myopia control treatments can help protect your child’s long-term vision. Early intervention is crucial.

At Perspective Eyecare and Eyewear, we offer personalized care and advanced myopia management solutions, including MiSight 1 day lenses, atropine therapy, and Ortho-K. Contact us to schedule a comprehensive eye exam and find out which option is right for your child. Visit our office in Cullman, Alabama, or call (256) 692-1464 today.