How to Manage Myopia and Prevent It from Worsening

As a parent, noticing your child's vision changing can be concerning. Myopia, or nearsightedness, is increasingly common among children today. While myopia has no known cure, you can successfully manage this vision-related condition with prescription glasses, myopia control lenses, or contact lenses. For children, early interventions, such as limiting screen time, can also help prevent myopia progression.

What Are The Signs And Symptoms Of Myopia?

• A tendency to sit closer to the computer screen or TV to see clearly
• Complaints of eye fatigue or discomfort after prolonged visual tasks, such as using electronic devices or reading
• Difficulty seeing distant objects clearly, often leading to squinting
• Headaches caused by eye strain and squinting

How To Manage Myopia Progression

If your child has been diagnosed with myopia, fret not! Several treatment options are available to help manage the condition to prevent it from worsening. The ideal choice will ultimately depend on each individual’s unique circumstances, such as lifestyle and preferences. Therefore, it is beneficial to understand the options available to ensure you make an informed decision for your child.

• Option 1Myopia Control Lenses

  

  The most recommended method for controlling myopia progression is with prescription glasses complemented by myopia control lenses. OWNDAYS offers Myopia Control 2, a type of myopia control lens that is designed with special optical properties effective in reducing the rate at which myopia progresses. The lens is developed using the latest technology to reduce peripheral hyperopic defocus which is a primary cause of worsening myopia.

• Option 2Ortho-K Lenses

  As glasses tend to be more fragile and break more easily, they may not be ideal for those with an active lifestyle or involved in contact sports. If your child is in a similar situation, myopia lenses may be more suitable for their needs.

  

• Option 3Low-Dose Atropine Eye Drops

  Atropine eye drops are usually used to dilate the pupil before an eye exam or surgery. However, low doses of these drops can help slow myopia progression in children.

Eyecare Tips To Prevent Myopia

At the end of the day, even with the aid of these myopia control options, it is up to you and your child to manage the condition to prevent it from worsening. Let us share several helpful myopia management techniques to slow its progression.

• Tip #1Take Frequent Eye Breaks

  

  Prolonged periods of close-up work can contribute to the progression of myopia in children. So, encourage your child to take regular breaks to prevent eye fatigue. Keep in mind the 20-20-20 rule – every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds.

• Tip #2Limit Screen Time

  

  Watching YouTube videos on the iPad or playing video games on the computer is near work too! So, limit your child’s screen time whenever possible. Doing so can help ease eye strain and eye fatigue – common symptoms of myopia.

• Tip #3Spend More Time Outdoor

  

  Research has demonstrated a link between outdoor time and a reduced risk of myopia in children. Researchers believe that sunlight helps regulate eye growth by triggering the release of retinal dopamine, a neurotransmitter inhibiting eye elongation, a primary cause of myopia.

  Other theories posit that engaging in outdoor activities requires our eyes to focus on objects at varying distances. This constant adjustment of focus may help prevent or slow myopia progression.

• Tip #4Correct Vision Problem Early

  

  As with any condition, seeking early treatment is essential in controlling myopia progression. If you suspect your child has myopia, consult an eye care professional who can assess their eyes and advise which myopia control method best suits them.

  Even if your child has been diagnosed with myopia, there are effective ways to safeguard their vision with proper myopia control. By staying informed and taking proactive steps, you can ensure their visual health is well taken care of, setting the stage for a bright, clear future.

Browse our range of prescription glasses online

Enjoy a free upgrade to Myopia Control 2 lenses when you purchase spectacles for your child aged 14 and below*. Alternatively, you can head down to our various spectacle shops across Singapore, including Bugis and Orchard, for all your vision care needs.*Terms and conditions apply.