Progressive myopia is becoming increasingly common among adults and children alike. Lifestyle changes play a significant role in its development. As children spend most of their time indoors, especially on digital screens and engaging in close-up activities, the risks associated with worsening vision are on the rise.
Understanding how indoor activities contribute to progressive myopia and learning how to halt myopia progression through lifestyle changes and medical interventions is essential for protecting long-term eye health.
What Is Progressive Myopia and Why It’s Increasing in Kids
Progressive myopia is a condition in which nearsightedness worsens over time, particularly during childhood and adolescence. Myopia occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, causing light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it. This leads to blurry vision, often requiring corrective lenses.
The prevalence of myopia has increased dramatically in recent decades. Studies show that more than half of the global population may be myopic by 2050, with a significant share developing high or progressive myopia forms.
This shift is especially noticeable in urban populations, where children spend most of their time indoors and engage in fewer outdoor activities.
How Indoor Habits Contribute to Myopia Progression
A key environmental factor contributing to progressive myopia is the modern indoor lifestyle. Children today often spend their time indoors, on screens, or focused on close work, such as reading and writing, with limited exposure to natural light.
Here’s how indoor living contributes to myopia progression:
- Lack of natural light: Studies show that exposure to daylight helps slow eye growth, a primary cause of myopia. Indoor lighting lacks the intensity and spectrum of sunlight needed to regulate eye development.
- Extended near work: Continuous focusing on close-up tasks increases strain on the eyes, which may contribute to elongation of the eyeball over time.
- Reduced outdoor play: Physical activity and distant viewing while outdoors reduce eye strain and promote healthy visual development.
Addressing these behavioural patterns through lifestyle modification can help slow or stabilise the progression of myopia in children.
Recognising the Signs of Myopia Worsening in Children
Early detection of progressive myopia is critical. Parents and caregivers should monitor children for the following signs:
- Squinting or rubbing the eyes frequently
- Complaints of blurry vision, especially when looking at distant objects
- Holding books or screens very close to the face
- Difficulty seeing the board at school
- Frequent headaches or eye fatigue
- Needing stronger glasses frequently
If you notice these symptoms, schedule a comprehensive eye exam with an optometrist or ophthalmologist who can measure refractive errors and evaluate for early myopia progression.
Lifestyle Changes to Slow Down Progressive Myopia
While genetics plays a role in myopia, environmental factors are modifiable. Here are proven lifestyle modification strategies for how to stop myopia progression in children:
Encourage outdoor play and natural light exposure
At least 2 hours of outdoor time daily has been shown to reduce the risk of developing myopia and slow its progression. Outdoor activities allow children to focus on distant objects, relax their eye muscles, and benefit from brighter light conditions that stimulate healthy eye growth.
Apply the 20-20-20 rule and limit screen time
To minimise eye strain, encourage children to follow the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. Limiting screen time, especially for recreational use, helps reduce prolonged near focusing. Structured breaks during schoolwork and digital activities are essential.
Ensure proper lighting and screen ergonomics indoors
Reading or working in dim lighting can increase eye strain. Ensure study areas are well-lit and screens are positioned at eye level and a proper distance (about 18–24 inches). Avoid using screens in dim light, and adjust the brightness and contrast to comfortable levels.
Support healthy sleep habits for eye development
Poor sleep can affect visual development and increase fatigue-related eye symptoms. Children should follow consistent sleep schedules, avoid using screens before bed, and get 9 – 11 hours of sleep, depending on their age.
Medical Options to Manage Myopia Progression
ક્યારે lifestyle modification alone is insufficient, medical treatments can help manage and slow down the worsening of myopia.
Myopia Control Glasses
Myopia control glasses utilise specially designed lenses to reduce strain and slow the elongation of the eyes. These include defocus incorporated multiple segments (DIMS) lenses and other peripheral defocus designs. They are effective and comfortable for everyday wear, especially for children who may not be able to tolerate contact lenses.
Myopia Control Eye Drops
Low-dose atropine (usually 0.01%) myopia control eye drops are widely used to slow the progression of myopia in children. These drops are typically applied once daily at night and have shown good safety and efficacy in reducing axial eye growth. Regular monitoring is essential during treatment.
મલ્ટિફોકલ કોન્ટેક્ટ લેન્સ
Soft multifocal contact lenses, originally designed for presbyopia, are now used to manage myopia in children. They correct vision while applying a treatment zone that slows the progression of myopia. These lenses are most suitable for older children or teens who are comfortable wearing contacts.
ઓર્થોકેરેટોલોજી (ઓર્થો-કે)
These are custom-designed rigid lenses worn overnight to temporarily reshape the cornea. They provide clear vision during the day and may also slow the rate of myopia progression. Ortho-K requires strict hygiene and regular follow-up.
Your eye care professional will assess your child’s vision and determine the most suitable myopia control strategy, taking into account their age, prescription, and lifestyle.
નિષ્કર્ષ
The increasing prevalence of progressive myopia in children is closely linked to reduced outdoor time and excessive near work, hallmarks of a predominantly indoor lifestyle.
Recognising the signs early and adopting lifestyle modification strategies such as encouraging outdoor play, limiting screen time, and maintaining good indoor lighting are key steps in how to stop myopia progression.
In addition to behavioural changes, evidence-based medical treatments such as myopia control glasses અને myopia control eye drops offer effective options for managing worsening vision. Early diagnosis and a customised treatment plan from an eye care professional can help maintain healthy vision and reduce the risk of long-term complications, such as retinal detachment or glaucoma.
For concerned parents, regular eye examinations are essential. Preventive strategies and early action offer the best chance to protect your child’s vision in a world increasingly shaped by screens and indoor environments.
