Estimated read time: 3-4 minutes
Are you or a family member nearsighted, meaning you have trouble seeing things that are far away? If you struggle to see street signs or make out faces at a distance, you're not alone.
Nearsightedness, or myopia, affects record numbers of people worldwide as they spend unprecedented amounts of time indoors and focusing our eyes on computer and phone screens. Looking at things up close for long amounts of time puts added strain on the eye's focusing mechanism. This eventually can change the shape of your eyeball and contribute to myopia.
The good news is that eye doctors can suggest lifestyle tweaks and new treatment options that go beyond a traditional pair of eyeglasses.
Staggering statistics
Myopia typically begins in school-age children and often worsens during adolescence and adulthood. Today, 1 in 4 American parents have a child with myopia. And experts forecast that by 2050 about half of the global population could be nearsighted.
"Myopia has been an increasing issue in my practice," says Shandi Beckwith, OD, an optometrist at the John A. Moran Eye Center at the University of Utah. "Most of my patients, both adults and children, don't realize that if myopia is not corrected, it can increase risk for more severe vision problems later in life such as retinal detachments, glaucoma, and earlier onset of cataracts."
Apart from lifestyle factors, genetics also plays a part in 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 lower the chances of more serious vision issues by as much as 40%.
Solutions to slow progression
The first step: get an eye exam.
"A comprehensive eye exam will allow your eye doctor to understand the extent of any issues you're having and suggest manageable lifestyle changes and the latest treatments available for you," Beckwith says.
Lifestyle changes can include spending more time outside, limiting screen time and maintaining good sleep and nutrition habits.
"As adults, screens are a huge part of everything we do," Beckwith says. "I know for some jobs, being away from a screen isn't an option. So I encourage the 20-20-20 rule. Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds."
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 "off-label" 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're getting a yearly eye exam. Regular exams help adjust prescriptions as needed and allow your doctor to detect early signs of other serious conditions related to myopia.
Between those exams, be sure to monitor your vision for any noticeable changes.
"There's no need to fear getting nearsighted, but it's important to stay informed and proactive," Beckwith says. "We're here to support you with options that can keep your vision clear and your eyes healthy for years to come."
