How Can I Stop My Eyesight from Deteriorating?

At 17 years old, you may be concerned about your vision declining, especially if you have already developed myopia. Understanding and managing myopia can help protect your eyesight as you grow. Here are some important points and natural approaches to consider:

Understanding Myopia

Myopia, or shortsightedness, occurs when the eyeballs grow too optically long, causing light to focus incorrectly at the back of the eye. Ben Wilkinson FRCSC (2020) explains that myopia is largely a genetic condition that develops with age and stabilizes between 17 and 21. Recent trends have shown that myopia is becoming more common, which has led to debates about the contributing factors.

Genetic and Environmental Factors

The rapid growth in height and myopia rates in Japan provides an interesting example. Before World War I, the Japanese were generally shorter and only rarely needed glasses. The shift to a Western diet and more sedentary lifestyle has led to taller individuals with more severe myopia. This suggests a connection between diet, lifestyle, and myopia development.

Genetic vs. Environmental Hypothesis

One popular theory is that the increase in myopia is linked to growth, particularly faster growth rates. However, another hypothesis is that myopia has been present all along but was not corrected with eyewear. This is unlikely because clear distance vision was not a desired skill in ancient times, especially among warriors.

Managing Myopia

Once myopia has developed, there is currently no method to control eye growth. Therefore, myopia is considered untreatable. However, once growth has stopped, LASIK surgery becomes an option for corrective measures.

Diagnosing Pseudomyopia

It is essential to differentiate between true myopia and pseudomyopia. Pseudomyopia is a temporary condition where the focusing muscles of the eye cramp, causing difficulty in achieving clear distance vision. This can be diagnosed by remeasuring the patient after dilating drops have been used to temporarily paralyze the focusing muscles. Some treatments for myopia may be effective due to treating pseudomyopia and mistakenly identifying it as true myopia.

Risks of High Myopia

High myopia with prescriptions over -6.00D is associated with increased risk of certain complications. These complications arise from a stress between the size of the sclera, the outer tough layer of the eye, and the retina, the light-sensitive layer at the back of the eye. Both layers develop from different tissues in the embryo, leading to potential conflicts.

Natural Remedies and Management

While there is no guaranteed method to stop myopia from worsening naturally, there are several steps you can take to manage it:

Diet and Lifestyle

A healthy diet rich in vitamins A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids, can support eye health. Additionally, regular exercise and avoiding prolonged periods of close work can help reduce the strain on your eyes.

Regular Eye Exams

Scheduling regular eye exams with an optometrist or ophthalmologist is crucial. This will help monitor the progression of myopia and ensure that any necessary corrective measures are taken at the appropriate time.

Protecting Eyes from Strain

Using devices such as computer glasses or blue light filtering glasses can help reduce eye strain from prolonged screen time. Make sure to take regular breaks and ensure proper lighting when reading or working.

Wearing Corrective Eyewear

Once you need corrective lenses, such as contacts or glasses, it is generally advisable to wear them consistently. Glasses can help your eyes behave normally, focusing on distant objects without strain. Contacts or glasses do not make myopia worse; they simply correct it.

Conclusion

While myopia is a common condition that cannot be reversed, you can take steps to manage it effectively. Remember to consult with a medical professional for personalized advice and always follow their recommendations for your specific case.

Key Points to Remember:

Myopia is largely genetic but can be influenced by environmental factors like diet and lifestyle. Pseudomyopia can be confused with true myopia, so it's important to get a proper diagnosis. Regular eye exams and protective measures can help manage myopia effectively.