Myopia, also known as nearsightedness, affects nearly 1.5 billion people worldwide, making it the most common vision problem in the world.

The condition occurs when the eyeball is too long or the cornea is too curved, preventing light from focusing properly on the retina. This results in blurry vision when looking at distant objects, but clear vision when looking at close objects.

Genetics and Myopia

One of the biggest factors that contribute to the development of myopia is genetics. If one or both of your parents have myopia, you are more likely to develop it as well.

According to a study by the American Academy of Ophthalmology, children with one myopic parent have a 25% chance of developing myopia, while those with two myopic parents have a 50% chance.

Many genes have been associated with myopia, with a number of them indicating regulation of eye growth. Some genes have an important contribution to retinal pathways that control ocular growth and axial length regulation.

However, it is not just one gene that contributes to the development of nearsightedness but rather, a complex combination of genes.

Environment and Myopia

While genes play a significant role in myopia, environmental factors are just as important. Children who grow up in urban areas with less exposure to natural light are at a higher risk of developing myopia.

Additionally, spending long hours reading or using digital devices can also contribute to the development of nearsightedness.

A study published in the journal The Lancet found that children who spent more time outdoors had a lower risk of developing myopia.

Sun exposure appears to be beneficial in regulating the elongation of the eyeball, which is the underlying mechanism causing myopia.

Lifestyle Changes to Prevent and Manage Myopia

Fortunately, there are many lifestyle changes that can help prevent and manage myopia. Proper nutrition, exercise, and regular eye exams can all contribute to healthy vision. Here are some tips:.

Eat a Healthy Diet

Eating a healthy diet that is rich in nutrients can help keep your eyes healthy for years to come. Focus on eating foods that are high in vitamin A, C, and E, as well as omega-3 fatty acids.

These nutrients are all essential for healthy eye function and can be found in foods such as dark leafy greens, nuts, fish, and citrus fruits.

Take Breaks from Digital Devices

Staring at digital screens for extended periods of time can strain your eyes and lead to myopia and other eye problems. To avoid this, take breaks from your screen every 20-30 minutes by simply looking away and focusing on an object in the distance.

This can help reduce eye strain and may even help prevent myopia from developing.

Get Plenty of Exercise

Sedentary lifestyle is a contributing factor to the development and increase of myopia. Engage in physical activity regularly in order to regulate your blood flow and oxygen uptake in your eyes.

Cardiovascular activities aid in the production of neurotransmitters in the retina which can help nourish the eyes. This will help preserve your eye health and lower the likelihood of nearsightedness or even vision loss later in life.

Wear Corrective Eyewear and Eye Patches

If you are already nearsighted, wearing corrective lenses can be a great way to improve your visual acuity.

For children with amblyopia (lazy eye), wearing an eye patch on the stronger eye for a set number of hours each day can help develop the weaker eye, improving both visual acuity and alignment.

Regular Eye Exams

Finally, it’s important to get regular eye exams to check for myopia and other eye problems. Early detection and treatment can be key in preventing serious vision problems down the road.

Conclusion

Myopia is a very common vision problem that affects millions of people around the world. While genetics play an important role in the development of the condition, environmental factors are also important.

By making lifestyle changes such as eating a nutritious diet, getting regular exercise, and avoiding prolonged screen time, you can take steps to prevent or manage myopia and improve your eye health.