How to Manage Myopia

Myopia (nearsightedness) affects millions of people worldwide and occurs when the eye grows too long from front to back. The elongation causes blurry vision when the eye focuses images in front of the retina instead of directly on the retina. Myopia typically begins in childhood and is often hereditary, but it can also develop in adulthood due to health or environmental factors. Some signs of myopia include squinting when watching TV, driving, reading the board at school, or general blurry distance vision. Read on to learn how myopia can be managed with eyewear correction and daily habit adjustments.

1. Vision Correction with Eyeglasses

The most common choice for correcting clear distance vision is wearing glasses. Single vision, bifocal or multifocal lenses will be prescribed by your eye doctor depending on your exact prescription. Be sure to wear your glasses as often as directed.

2. Vision Correction with Contact Lenses

Many people prefer to wear contact lenses for clear vision at all distances with a wide field of view. CooperVision MiSight 1 day, a type of myopia control contact lens, is a daily disposable lens specifically designed for children and proven to slow the progression of nearsightedness. Ask your optometrist for more information at your next visit.

3. Daily Habit Adjustments

• Avoid holding handheld electronic devices too close to the face. As much as possible, limit screen time.
• Encourage children to play outside whenever possible. Natural outdoor light may be beneficial to reset eyesight while allowing a break from blue light exposure.

4. Eye Drops

Your eye doctor can use or prescribe low-dose atropine eye drops to relax the focus muscles in the eyes and slow the progression of myopia. This can be especially helpful for children while they are in peak years of vision development.

5. See a Shopko Optical Optometrist for an Eye Exam

Schedule eye exams regularly. Diagnosing vision problems like myopia as early as possible can help slow the progression and allow your eye doctor to determine the best plan for management.

Early detection of myopia is important in slowing the rate of development and avoiding the risk of developing ocular diseases later in life such as glaucoma or cataracts. Your optometrist can prescribe lenses to manage the condition along with recommendations for adjusting your daily lifestyle habits to help you see as clearly as possible.