“Can you prevent myopia?”
I have a family history of myopia. Can you prevent myopia?
1 Answer
OphthalmologistOphthalmologist
Jason Randall Smith
Optometrist
Myopia is also called nearsightedness and is a very common eye condition where the shape of the eye is "longer" so that what you are looking at focuses in front of the retina resulting in blurry vision in the distance. Depending upon the amount of myopia, things may be clear or clearer looking at close objects.
"Regular physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of myopia. Engaging in outdoor activities, sports, and exercises not only promotes overall physical well-being but also provides exposure to natural light and a break from near work, which can contribute to reducing the onset and progression of myopia."
There is no way to reverse myopia (nearsightedness). Myopia usually occurs due to progressive structural changes in the eyes. These changes cannot be undone, but the blurry vision can be corrected. And, if detected early enough, it is possible to slow down myopia progression.
Orthokeratology is a type of treatment using gas permeable contact lenses which can alter the shape of the cornea which can reduce or eliminate myopia. This procedure is expensive and is not suggested for higher amounts of myopia. The use of contact lenses or glasses will correct the myopia as it exists. But with time, myopia can change and there will be a need to see an eye doctor in order to have an eye glass or contact lens prescription updated.
And if there is any astigmatism associated with the myopia, that also needs to be corrected with lenses or refractive surgery. There are refractive surgical procedures that can be done in order to correct myopia or astigmatism. You can check with an ophthalmologist, a refractive surgeon, or an optometrist in order to determine what your surgical options are. Good luck and best wishes.
"Regular physical activity has been linked to a lower risk of myopia. Engaging in outdoor activities, sports, and exercises not only promotes overall physical well-being but also provides exposure to natural light and a break from near work, which can contribute to reducing the onset and progression of myopia."
There is no way to reverse myopia (nearsightedness). Myopia usually occurs due to progressive structural changes in the eyes. These changes cannot be undone, but the blurry vision can be corrected. And, if detected early enough, it is possible to slow down myopia progression.
Orthokeratology is a type of treatment using gas permeable contact lenses which can alter the shape of the cornea which can reduce or eliminate myopia. This procedure is expensive and is not suggested for higher amounts of myopia. The use of contact lenses or glasses will correct the myopia as it exists. But with time, myopia can change and there will be a need to see an eye doctor in order to have an eye glass or contact lens prescription updated.
And if there is any astigmatism associated with the myopia, that also needs to be corrected with lenses or refractive surgery. There are refractive surgical procedures that can be done in order to correct myopia or astigmatism. You can check with an ophthalmologist, a refractive surgeon, or an optometrist in order to determine what your surgical options are. Good luck and best wishes.
