Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, is one of the most common vision conditions affecting both children and adults. Individuals with myopia can see nearby objects clearly, but distant objects appear blurry or out of focus. This can impact everyday activities such as reading signs while driving, watching a movie, or seeing the board in a classroom.
At Bluebird Vision + Wellness, we’re committed to helping our patients manage and protect their vision at every stage of life. Let’s take a closer look at what contributes to myopia progression and how you can take steps to slow it down.
Common Causes of Myopia Progression
1. Genetics
One of the strongest predictors of whether someone will develop myopia is family history. If one parent is nearsighted, there’s an increased risk that their child will also develop the condition. If both parents have myopia, that risk becomes even higher.
However, genetics alone don’t fully explain the increasing prevalence of myopia around the world. In recent decades, the number of children developing myopia has skyrocketed, especially in developed countries. While we can’t change our genetic makeup, understanding its role can help families be more proactive about regular eye exams and early interventions.
2. Age & Eye Growth
Myopia often begins during childhood, typically between the ages of 6 and 14. This is when the eyes are still developing and are more susceptible to changes in shape. As the eyeball grows too long from front to back, light entering the eye is focused in front of the retina rather than directly on it—leading to blurred distance vision.
The teenage years can also see rapid changes in vision, as hormonal shifts and physical growth spur continued elongation of the eye. In many cases, myopia stabilizes in early adulthood, but this is not guaranteed. In some individuals, especially those with high myopia, progression can continue into their 20s or beyond.
3. Environmental Factors
Modern lifestyles are playing an increasingly significant role in the rise of myopia. One of the biggest culprits? Screen time. With the rise of smartphones, tablets, computers, and online learning, children and teens are spending more time focusing on objects just a few inches from their eyes. This prolonged near work can strain the eyes and contribute to myopia progression.
Another key environmental factor is a lack of natural sunlight. Outdoor play and sunlight exposure have been shown to help delay the onset of myopia in children. Researchers believe that time spent outside may help regulate eye growth and maintain healthy vision. In contrast, children who spend the majority of their time indoors—whether studying, gaming, or watching TV—may be at greater risk.
4. Lifestyle Habits
The way we use our eyes daily plays a large role in how myopia progresses. Poor visual habits such as reading in dim light, holding books or screens too close to the face, or not taking breaks during long study sessions can place extra stress on the eyes.
In addition, a sedentary lifestyle may be linked to worsening vision. Physical activity has broad benefits for overall health, and emerging research suggests it could play a role in eye health as well. Children who are more active tend to spend more time outdoors and may have reduced screen time—both of which are protective against myopia.
How to Help Prevent or Slow Myopia
While some factors like genetics are out of our control, there are many things families can do to help prevent or slow myopia progression—especially during childhood and adolescence.
Healthy Vision Habits to Adopt:
- Follow the 20-20-20 rule: Every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. This helps reduce eye strain during screen time or close-up work.
- Prioritize outdoor play: Aim for at least 1 to 2 hours of outdoor time each day. Activities like walking, biking, and playing sports can all contribute to eye health.
- Create an eye-friendly environment: Use proper lighting when reading or doing homework, and encourage children to hold reading material at a comfortable distance—about 14 to 16 inches from the eyes.
- Balance screen time: Limit recreational screen time and encourage frequent breaks during long sessions of homework or gaming.
- Encourage physical activity: An active lifestyle supports whole-body wellness, including vision health.
Myopia Treatment Options
If you or your child has already been diagnosed with myopia, don’t worry—there are a variety of treatments available to manage it. Treatment goals often focus on correcting vision and, more importantly, slowing down the progression of the condition.
Common Myopia Control Methods Include:
- Prescription glasses or contact lenses: These correct blurry distance vision and are the most common first step for managing myopia.
- Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): These specialized lenses are worn overnight to gently reshape the cornea, offering clear vision during the day without lenses and potentially slowing eye growth.
- Multifocal contact lenses: Designed to provide clear vision at multiple distances while helping slow the elongation of the eye.
- Low-dose atropine eye drops: These medicated drops have been shown to slow myopia progression in children and are used under the supervision of an optometrist.
At Bluebird Vision + Wellness, we work closely with families to find the best solution based on the patient’s age, lifestyle, and overall eye health. Every myopia management plan is customized to meet individual needs.
Personalized Myopia Management at Bluebird Vision + Wellness
At Bluebird Vision + Wellness, we understand how myopia can impact every stage of life—from childhood development to adult independence. Our team is passionate about helping patients protect their sight through proactive care and personalized treatment.
If you’re concerned about your child’s vision, screen habits, or eye health, don’t wait—schedule a comprehensive eye exam today. Together, we can take the right steps to support long-term visual wellness and keep you and your family seeing clearly for years to come.
