Are you or a family member nearsighted, meaning you have trouble seeing things that are far away? It鈥檚 common to struggle to see street signs or make out faces at a distance.
Nearsightedness, or myopia, affects a record number of people worldwide as we spend unprecedented amounts of time indoors and focus our eyes on computer and phone screens. Looking at things up close for long amounts of time puts added strain on the eye鈥檚 focusing mechanism, which can change the shape of your eyeball and contribute to myopia.
The good news is lifestyle tweaks and new treatment options can go beyond a traditional pair of eyeglasses.
Staggering Statistics
Myopia typically begins in school-age children and often worsens during adolescence and adulthood. Today, one in four American parents have a child with myopia. Experts forecast that, by 2050, about half of the global population could be nearsighted.
鈥淢yopia has been an increasing issue in my practice,鈥 says Shandi Beckwith, OD, an optometrist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. 鈥淢ost of my patients, both adults and children, don鈥檛 realize if it鈥檚 not corrected it can increase risk for more severe vision problems later in life such as retinal detachments, glaucoma, and earlier onset of cataracts.鈥
Aside from lifestyle modifications, genetics also comes into play for myopia. If one parent has myopia, a child has a 25% chance of developing it. If both parents are myopic, the likelihood jumps to 50%.
Understanding these risks can empower families to act early. Slowing the progression of myopia by small amounts has big rewards. Children can maintain healthy eyesight and reduce the risk of problems when they reach adulthood. A small reduction in progression for adults can reduce the risk for more serious vision issues by as much as 40%.
Solutions to Slow Progression
The first step: get an eye exam.
鈥淎 comprehensive eye exam will allow your eye doctor to understand the extent of any issues you鈥檙e having and suggest manageable lifestyle changes, along with the latest treatments available for you,鈥 Beckwith says.
Lifestyle changes can include spending more time outside, limiting screen time, and maintaining good sleep and nutrition habits.
鈥淎s adults, screens are a huge part of everything we do,鈥 Beckwith says. 鈥淚 know for some jobs, being away from a screen isn鈥檛 an option, so I encourage the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.鈥
Beyond that, several treatments can help manage the condition and protect your vision:
- Ortho-K Lenses: These rigid contact lenses reshape the cornea overnight as you sleep, offering clear vision during the day without glasses. While effective, stopping use will return the cornea to its natural shape.
- MiSight Daily Contacts: These soft lenses are the first and only FDA-approved option to slow myopia progression when worn consistently.
- Multifocal Soft Lenses: Designed with a center-distance feature, these lenses need to be worn at least five hours per day and are replaced monthly.
- Atropine Drops: These daily drops slightly dilate the eyes as an 鈥渙ff-label鈥 treatment option that is prepared by compounding pharmacies.
- Bifocal and Progressive Lenses: Unlike eyeglasses with single-vision lenses, bifocals or progressives can be beneficial in slowing the progression of nearsightedness to a certain extent.
Managing Myopia Long-Term
The best way to stay on top of your myopia long-term is to ensure you鈥檙e getting a yearly eye exam. Regular exams help adjust prescriptions as needed and allow your doctor to detect early signs of other serious conditions that have an increased risk with myopia.
Between those exams, be sure to monitor your vision for any noticeable changes.
鈥淭here's no need to fear getting nearsighted, but it鈥檚 important to stay informed and proactive,鈥 Beckwith says. 鈥淲e鈥檙e here to support you with options that can keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy for years to come."
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