What Causes Myopia to Worsen?

Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, continues to affect more and more people worldwide. Many who suffer from myopia find themselves curious about what causes the condition to worsen and what they can do to maintain eye health long term.
 

 So what causes short sightedness, and what makes it worse (1)? Myopia worsens when we focus on near objects, which causes the eyeball to elongate to adjust and focus. This also prevents our eyes from bending light as they should and can lead to myopia. Before modern technology, heavy readers often suffered from this condition more than people around them, but now that we’re all on our devices regularly, many more people suffer from myopia than before. So can myopia be cured? Let’s find out!
 

Genetics

While up close activities can worsen myopia, many people still wonder is myopia genetic? What causes myopia to worsen at a young age? The causes of myopia are multifactorial since both genetic and environmental factors contribute to its development. By understanding your family's history of myopia, you can help identify potential risk factors. Genetics increase the likelihood of developing myopia, but environmental factors such as prolonged near work (like spending hours at a time on a computer screen) and insufficient outdoor activities can also play a significant role.
 

At MSVC Vision Center, we offer comprehensive genetic screening and personalized myopia management plans to address individual needs effectively that can help both adults and children to slow its progression. What causes short sightedness to get worse? Myopia gets worse when people do not limit their screen time, overcommit to near vision tasks, and spend too much time indoors. It also often progresses with age and can be accelerated when people with low myopia overuse their corrective lenses.
 

Excessive Screen Time

One of the most common and easily remedied contributors to myopic issues comes from spending too much time on our screens. As devices take more prominent roles in our society, we need to remember to make time to disconnect. As a general rule, many vision experts recommend the 20-20-20 strategy. Every twenty minutes, look away from your screen for at least twenty seconds at something about twenty feet away. They also recommend children taking breaks for ten minutes of every hour they spend on devices.
 

Excessive Near Vision Tasks

While many people clearly understand screens can hurt us if we spend too much time on them, many don’t see near-vision tasks in the same light. Tasks like reading, writing, and fine detail work often cause the same strain on the eyes as excessive screen use. This may worsen your myopia.
 

Spending too much time indoors

Constant up close activity causes the eyes to work really hard for extended periods of time. Taking breaks outside gives the eyes a chance to rest and reset. Optometrists recommend that we take at least one to two hours a day outside so our eyes can unfocus and take a break.
 

Eyes Grow with Age

The growth and development of eyes play a significant role in the progression of myopia. During childhood and adolescence, the eyes typically experience growth, ultimately influencing the degree of nearsightedness. If you notice a teenager or child’s eyesight getting worse, this can be a sign of myopia developing. However, it's important to note that even after reaching adulthood, the eyes can still undergo changes that impact vision (2). Regular eye examinations and proactive myopia management can help monitor these changes and prevent rapid myopia progression.
 

Overusing Corrective Lenses with Low Myopia

Many people diagnosed with low myopia only need their glasses for certain activities like watching tv or playing outside. With low myopia, people do not need near vision tasks like reading and writing. If they wear their glasses during these activities, they can end up speeding up the rate their myopia progresses.
 

Can Myopia Be Cured?

While myopia cannot be permanently cured, various methods can help manage its progression effectively. Myopia is a refractive error that occurs when the eye's shape causes light to focus in front of the retina instead of directly on it. At MSVC Vision Center, we specialize in comprehensive myopia management solutions designed to slow down the advancement of nearsightedness.

While it can’t be cured, myopia progression can be slowed down if proactive steps get taken. So what causes myopia to worsen (3)? 
 

Patients with low myopia who use their glasses for activities that don’t require them tire out their eyes,  that their muscles cannot continue doing their job properly. Spending too much time doing up close tasks and spending excessive time on screens also exhaust the eyes. As long as regular breaks get taken, the eyes have a chance to relax and reset. Take breaks every twenty minutes and spend a few hours outside daily to help slow down the progression of myopia.
 

How MSVC Vision Center Can Help

At MSVC Vision Center, we are committed to providing exceptional care for individuals seeking effective myopia management strategies. Our team of experienced professionals offers a range of services and treatments to slow down the progression of myopia and enhance visual health. Here are some key services we provide:
 

1. Myopia Management: Our myopia management programs aim to control the progression of nearsightedness in children and young adults. Through a combination of specialized contact lenses, optical devices, and personalized treatment plans, we help individuals maintain stable vision and reduce the risk of complications associated with high myopia.
    

2. Orthokeratology (Ortho-K): Ortho-K is a non-surgical method that uses specialized contact lenses to reshape the cornea overnight. This temporary correction allows for clear vision during the day without the need for glasses or contact lenses. Our Ortho-K services provide a convenient and effective option for managing myopia.
    

To learn more about our services and schedule a consultation, please visit our MSVC Vision Center website.

Although myopia has no cure, slowing its progression can help prevent further complications. If left unmanaged, high myopia can lead to complications like retinal detachment, glaucoma, cataracts, or even blindness. By addressing genetic predispositions, monitoring eye growth, and providing personalized treatment plans, MSVC Vision Center is dedicated to helping individuals maintain optimal visual health. Take proactive steps today and contact us at MSVC Vision Center for comprehensive myopia management solutions.

1. Optometrists.org: Why Is My Child’s Myopia Worsening?

2. Myeyewellness.com: Does Myopia Always Get Worse As You Age?

3. Aoa.org: Myopia (nearsightedness)