How to Prevent or Slow Downsight (Myopia) Progression as a Young Adult

Many people, particularly young adults, are concerned about the worsening of their sight, especially as myopia, or nearsightedness, is on the rise. This article explores the causes, symptoms, and potential ways to prevent or slow down the progression of myopia. We'll also debunk some common myths and offer practical advice based on professional research and medical knowledge.

Understanding Myopia

By Ben Wilkinson, FRCSC. 2020 December

Myopia, also known as shortsightedness, is a condition characterized by longer eyeballs, which leads to difficulty in focusing on distant objects. This condition is primarily hereditary, developing in conjunction with a person's growth and stabilizing around the age of 17 to 21. Myopia is becoming more common, prompting researchers and healthcare professionals to seek answers in its increasing prevalence, especially among young people.

What Causes Myopia?

One compelling theory is that myopia develops in tandem with growth and taller stature, a phenomenon seen most vividly in the Japanese population. Prior to World War I, the average Japanese person was relatively short and rarely needed glasses. However, following a shift from a traditional diet of rice to a more Western diet, the population grew taller and became more myopic.

Myopia and Eyeball Growth

As the eyeball grows longer, light entering the eye focuses in front of the retina rather than directly on it, causing objects at a distance to appear blurry. Since myopia is predominantly a genetic condition, there are not many options to treat it directly. Current methods include using glasses, contact lenses, and ortho-keratology, which involves wearing special lenses at night to reshape the cornea.

Myth-busting: Can I Prevent or Slow Down Myopia Progression?

Diligent eyecare professionals stand against over-correcting and under-correcting myopia prescriptions. However, some clinics and providers may be keen to prescribe stronger corrective lenses, as these provide more opportunities for sales of glasses and lenses. This approach can be detrimental, as eyecare professionals are more likely to be focused on selling products rather than controlling the condition. Therefore, it is crucial to seek second opinions and find a balance between getting a proper prescription and not overcorrecting.

Practical Tips for Managing Myopia

And yet, after myopia has developed, it is important to distinguish it from pseudomyopia. Pseudomyopia occurs when certain focusing muscles cramp, leading to a temporary inability to see distant objects clearly. This condition can be easily diagnosed by re-measuring the patient after the use of dilating drops, which temporarily paralyze the focusing muscles. Some treatments aim to correct myopia, but they often address pseudomyopia.

Managing Your Myopia: Contacts or Glasses?

Once myopia progresses to a point where vision correction is necessary, there is often an ongoing debate about whether to wear correction all the time or not. Wearing glasses or contacts constantly can help your eyes behave normally, especially when they're relaxed, focusing on distant objects. If you're worried about glasses getting lost or scratched, constant wear can be helpful.

Conclusion

Myopia is a condition with both genetic and environmental factors. While many eyecare providers may advocate for stronger prescriptions and more frequent wearing of glasses, it is essential to seek balanced and informed advice. Understanding the causes and myths surrounding myopia can help you make the best decisions for your visual health.

Keywords: myopia, prevention, slowing myopia progression, young adults