More children and adults are being diagnosed with myopia than ever before, and in many cases, the condition tends to worsen over time. While corrective lenses such as glasses and contact lenses can help you see clearly, they don’t slow down the progression of myopia. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits and seeking professional myopia management treatment are essential steps in protecting long-term eye health.
 

Why Myopia Progression Matters

Unchecked myopia can lead to higher prescriptions over time, making daily activities more difficult. Even more importantly, severe myopia increases the risk of serious eye diseases later in life, including retinal detachment, glaucoma, and macular degeneration. Preventing or slowing its progression early can help safeguard vision for the future.
 

Prioritize Outdoor Time

Studies show that children who spend at least 1-2 hours outdoors each day have a lower risk of developing rapidly progressing myopia. Natural light and distance focusing reduce strain on the eyes compared to constant near work.
 

Limit Screen Time

Digital devices are now a part of everyday life, but extended screen use places stress on the eyes. Encourage children (and adults) to take regular breaks, follow the 20-20-20 rule (every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds), and avoid excessive recreational screen time.
 

Create Healthy Study Habits

Close-up tasks such as reading or homework can contribute to myopia progression if done without breaks. Maintaining good lighting, sitting at an appropriate distance, and taking regular pauses can help reduce strain.
 

Support Eye Health with Nutrition

A diet rich in leafy greens, fish high in omega-3 fatty acids, and foods packed with vitamins A, C, and E supports overall eye health. Proper hydration also helps maintain clear, comfortable vision.
 

Maintain Regular Eye Exams

Routine eye exams are crucial to detect changes in vision and catch early signs of progression. With consistent monitoring, treatment plans can be adjusted to ensure the best possible outcomes.
 

The Importance of Professional Myopia Management

While lifestyle choices play an important role, professional treatment is often necessary to effectively control myopia progression. At Alamo Eye Care, we offer advanced myopia management solutions tailored to each patient’s needs. These may include:
 

•          Specialized contact lenses (like Orthokeratology or multifocal lenses)

•          Prescription eye drops proven to slow myopia progression

•          Customized treatment plans to track changes and ensure the best results
 

Combining professional treatment with healthy lifestyle habits provides the strongest defense against myopia progression.
 

Take Control of Myopia Today

Myopia is s a condition that can impact lifelong vision if left unmanaged. By adopting healthy lifestyle practices and partnering with an eye care professional for myopia management treatment, you can take proactive steps to protect your or your child’s eyesight.
 

At Alamo Eye Care, we’re committed to helping patients manage myopia progression with personalized, effective treatment options. Schedule a pediatric eye exam to learn more about how we can support long-term vision health. Contact our office in San Antonio or Austin, Texas, by calling (210) 403-9050 today.