For many families in Texas, helping their children grow up with healthy vision is a top priority. With more kids spending time on digital devices and doing close-up work, myopia is becoming increasingly common. The good news is that simple lifestyle changes, including spending more time outdoors under the Texas sun, may play a role in slowing its progression. Understanding the condition and knowing when to seek professional myopia management can make all the difference in protecting your child’s long-term eye health.
 

Understanding Myopia

Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light entering the eye to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. This results in blurry distance vision. Genetics play a role, but environmental factors, especially excessive near work and limited time outdoors are also contributing to rising myopia rates.
 

How Outdoor Time and Lifestyle Changes Can Help

Recent research suggests that increasing the amount of time children spend outdoors may help delay the onset or reduce the progression of myopia. Exposure to natural light and the opportunity to focus on distant objects are believed to contribute to healthier visual development.
 

Some key lifestyle changes that may support healthier vision include:
 

• Spending at least 90 minutes a day outdoors
• Taking regular breaks from screen time and close-up activities using the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds)
• Creating a visually balanced routine with a mix of reading, screen use, and outdoor play
• Ensuring proper lighting while doing near work to reduce eye strain

While these changes may not reverse myopia, they can be effective in slowing its progression, particularly when started early.
 

When to Consider Myopia Management Treatment

If your child is showing signs of progressing myopia despite lifestyle changes, it may be time to explore professional myopia management treatments. These options are designed to help slow the progression of nearsightedness and may include:
 

• Atropine Eye Drops: Low-dose atropine has been shown to effectively slow myopia progression when used consistently under supervision.
• Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Specially designed overnight contact lenses that temporarily reshape the cornea and help control myopia progression.
• Multifocal Soft Contact Lenses: These lenses offer different zones of focus that can help reduce the rate of myopia progression during the day.
• Multifocal Glasses: Similar to contact lenses, these glasses can provide vision correction while helping manage eye growth patterns.

Schedule Your Child’s Eye Exam Today

While outdoor time and lifestyle adjustments can support healthier vision and slow the development of myopia, they may not be enough on their own for children experiencing fast progression. The best approach is a combination of daily habits and professional treatments tailored to your child’s specific needs.
 

At Alamo Eye Care, we offer personalized myopia management solutions to help protect your child’s vision. Contact our office in San Antonio or Austin, Texas, by calling (210) 403-9050 to schedule an eye exam to learn more about the best options for your family.