What Lifestyle Changes Can Support Myopia Management?

Myopia is a growing concern worldwide, especially with the increasing reliance on digital devices. While glasses, contact lenses, and treatments like Orthokeratology (Ortho-K) and Atropine eye drops can help manage myopia, lifestyle changes play a crucial role in slowing its progression. At Frame & Focus Eye Care, we believe that incorporating healthy habits can make a significant difference in your eye health. Here are some lifestyle changes to support myopia management.

Schedule Regular Eye Exams

The key to managing myopia is early detection and regular monitoring. At Frame & Focus Eye Care, we recommend scheduling annual comprehensive eye exams for both children and adults. These exams help track changes in your vision, allowing us to adjust your prescription or suggest additional treatment options like Ortho-K or myopia control lenses.
 

Limit Screen Time

Prolonged exposure to screens, whether on a smartphone, computer, or tablet, can increase the risk of myopia or worsen its progression. Digital screens often cause eye strain due to blue light exposure and focusing at a close distance for long periods. To reduce strain, practice the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, take a 20-second break and look at something 20 feet away. This simple practice gives your eyes the necessary relief from near work.
 

Increase Time Spent Outdoors

Research has shown that children who spend more time outdoors are less likely to develop myopia or experience rapid progression. Natural light plays a key role in healthy eye development, and outdoor activities encourage distance vision, reducing the strain caused by close-up work. Aim for at least 1-2 hours of outdoor time daily, whether it’s through sports, walks, or simply enjoying nature.
 

Maintain a Healthy Diet

A well-balanced diet rich in nutrients can help support overall eye health. Include foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon and flaxseeds, which promote retinal health. Vitamins A, C, and E, found in leafy greens, carrots, and citrus fruits, along with zinc, can help reduce the risk of eye conditions. Antioxidant-rich foods can also combat oxidative stress in the eyes, which may contribute to myopia progression.
 

Ensure Proper Lighting

Reading or doing close-up work in poor lighting can contribute to eye strain and fatigue, which may exacerbate myopia. Whether you’re working on homework or reading a book, make sure the room is well-lit and avoid using digital devices in dim environments. Adjust the brightness of your screens to match the lighting conditions in the room to prevent additional strain.
 

Practice Good Visual Hygiene

Poor visual habits, such as reading too closely or spending excessive time on near work without breaks, can increase the risk of myopia. Encourage your children (and yourself) to hold books or digital devices at least 12-14 inches away from the face. Additionally, taking regular breaks, adjusting posture, and using ergonomic furniture can help reduce the risk of eye strain and myopia progression.
 

Schedule a Comprehensive Eye Exam with Frame & Focus Eye Care Today

While myopia management may begin with corrective lenses or treatments, adopting healthy lifestyle changes can play a pivotal role in slowing its progression. By reducing screen time, spending more time outdoors, maintaining a healthy diet, and practicing good visual hygiene, you can help protect your vision for the long term.
 

Contact Frame & Focus Eye Care to schedule an eye exam and learn more about personalized myopia management plans. Visit our office in Richmond, Texas, or call (832) 664-7900 to book an appointment today. We are also happy to serve the surrounding areas, Greatwood, Rosenberg, Sugar Land, Pecan Grove, Four Corners, Mission Bend, New Territory, and Sugar Land.