According to research, myopia, or nearsightedness, has been on the rise in the United States for the past several decades.
There are a number of factors that may contribute to the development of myopia, including genetics and increased screen time. However, there are also steps that can be taken to help prevent or slow the progression of this eye condition.
This short guide will discuss a few of the most effective myopia control methods. If you need help, come to us at Orange County Vision Center in Garden Grove, CA, for a comprehensive consultation and we can together come up with a suitable solution.
Get Regular Eye Exams
Eye exams are an important part of maintaining good eye care, and they can also be helpful in detecting vision problems early on. If you or your child is starting to experience symptoms of myopia, such as difficulty seeing objects at a distance, it can be important to schedule an appointment with an optometrist or ophthalmologist.
During an eye exam, an eye doctor on our team can help determine whether you have myopia and, if so, how severe it is. He or she can then recommend the best course of treatment, which may include glasses, contact lenses, or eye exercises.
Consider Orthokeratology
Orthokeratology, also known as corneal refractive therapy, is a non-surgical treatment that uses special contact lenses to temporarily reshape the eye. Ortho-k can help to reduce or even eliminate myopia and its symptoms.
If you're interested in ortho-k, talk to an eye doctor on our team about whether it's right for you. This treatment may not be suitable for everyone, and it is important that you understand the risks involved before proceeding.
Try Eye Exercises
Eye exercises may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of myopia management, but they can actually be quite effective. There are a number of different eye exercises that you can do at home to help improve your vision and slow the progression of myopia.
One simple exercise that you can try is to sit in a comfortable position and focus on an object in the distance. Try to keep your eyes focused on that object for at least 30 seconds, then blink a few times and repeat. This can be great for your eye care routine.
Limit Screen Time
It's no secret that spending too much time staring at screens can be bad for your eyesight. If you're looking for ways to prevent myopia, one of the best things you can do is limit your screen time. This doesn't mean you have to entirely give up your computer or phone, just don’t stay on them hours at a time if possible. Take breaks and ensure you're getting enough eye-friendly activities, such as reading or spending time outdoors.
Eat a Healthy Diet
What you eat can also have an impact on your eye health. Make sure to include plenty of leafy greens, oily fish, and other eye-healthy foods in your diet.
Contact Us for Myopia Control and Treatment
If you're looking for ways to help prevent nearsightedness in your children, myopia management may be a good option. We at Orange County Vision Center in Garden Grove, CA, offer a variety of myopia management treatments that can slow the progression of nearsightedness and help keep your child's vision healthy. Give us a call at (714) 894-3353 to get an appointment with an optometrist and learn more about our myopia management options.