Is Myopia Preventable?

Myopia (nearsightedness) is a common vision condition where distant objects appear blurry while close objects are clear. In a myopic eye, light focuses in front of the retina instead of on it, often because the eyeball is too long or the cornea (front surface) is too steeply curved. Myopia can be easily corrected with prescription glasses or contact lenses, and most people with myopia have otherwise healthy eyes. For example, a person with –3.00D myopia simply needs minus-powered lenses to shift the focus onto the retina. Most myopia develops in childhood and then stabilises by early adulthood. Only rarely does nearsightedness worsen significantly after the mid-20s, and there’s currently no natural way for an eye’s shape to reverse itself.

Outdoor time and light exposure

Studies consistently show that children who spend more time outdoors have lower rates of myopia. Natural daylight appears to signal the eye to grow at a healthy rate. Experts now recommend that kids get at least 2 hours of outdoor play each day (roughly 14 hours a week) to help protect their vision- whether they’re in Solihull wading through the shallows of the lake at Brueton Park or exploring nature and the wildflife at Sutton Park in Sutton Coldfield. And if you live closer to Edgbaston, our dedicated Edgbaston Eye Clinic can provide a child‑friendly environment for thorough myopia screenings and personalised management plans.

For instance, a 2024 report on myopia prevention found that “increased childhood outdoor time appears to be protective for myopia onset”. Simple steps like playing in the garden, walking to school, or enjoying the park can make a big difference. Even if the family is very busy, finding daily outdoor time (or at least several times a week) is encouraged by eye care professionals.

Limiting screen time and near work

There is growing evidence that too much near-focused activity – like reading up close, using tablets or smartphones, and even excessive studying – contributes to myopia. To counter this, parents should limit screen time for young children. The World Health Organization advises no screen use at all for under-2s, and no more than 1 hour per day for ages 2–4. For older kids, the NHS suggests avoiding more than 2 hours of recreational screen time per day. When children are on screens or doing close work, encourage the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This short break relaxes the focusing muscles. Reducing continuous near work and ensuring well-lit reading conditions can help slow the progression of myopia.

Modern myopia control treatments (e.g., atropine, ortho-K)

In addition to lifestyle measures, there are medical treatments designed to slow myopia in children. Low-dose atropine eye drops (typically 0.01% or 0.05%) have been shown to significantly reduce the rate of eye elongation. Similarly, orthokeratology (overnight rigid contact lenses that gently reshape the cornea) can temporarily reduce myopia and also slow its progression. There are also specialty “multifocal” contact lenses and spectacle lenses with special lenslets or defocus zones that guide peripheral focus to slow eye growth. These options are part of what eye care providers call myopia management or myopia control. An optometrist or ophthalmologist can discuss these with parents; however, note that such treatments are usually not funded by the NHS and are done in private practice.

Myopia is generally progressive mainly during childhood, when the eyeball is still growing. Once growth slows down in the late teens or early 20s, myopia usually stabilises. In fact, studies like the COMET trial found that about 90% of myopic children’s prescriptions stop changing by age 21. There is no natural cure for myopia – the underlying elongation of the eye cannot “shrink back” by itself.

Sometimes adults notice small refractive changes in middle age, but this is generally not due to actual reduction of myopia. For example, age-related lens changes or cataract formation can slightly shift vision (occasionally making distance vision a bit clearer), but these are incidental and not a true improvement in the refractive error. In short, once myopia is established, it almost never goes away without corrective lenses or surgery. Long-term, most people just need to update their glasses or contacts as needed, but the eye’s anatomy (and thus the need for a minus prescription) remains.

Myopia in adulthood is usually stable, but high myopia (strong prescriptions) requires attention. High myopia is commonly defined as –6.00 diopters or more. Individuals with high myopia have an elongated eyeball that stretches the retina. This increases the risk of serious complications as you get older. For example, retinal detachment (where the light-sensitive layer pulls away) is much more common in high myopes. They also have higher chances of developing glaucoma and early cataracts. Perhaps most worrisome is myopic maculopathy (degeneration of the central retina), which can severely affect vision and does not fully correct with glasses.

Regular eye exams are especially important for adults with high myopia. According to Cleveland Clinic guidance, high myopia often stops worsening by age 20–30, but it “may lead to pathologic myopia and the possibility of more serious sight conditions later in life”. If you’re looking for an experienced eye doctor in Birmingham who can guide your long‑term care, read more about what to expect and how to choose the right specialist. Ophthalmologists recommend annual check-ups for anyone with high myopia or signs of retinal thinning. At these visits, we can use retinal imaging (e.g, OCT scans) to catch any developing problems. The UK’s Royal National Institute of Blind People (RNIB) also stresses that high myopes should be “monitored regularly by your optometrist or ophthalmologist” and should seek care immediately if they notice new floaters, flashes of light, or field defects.

Steps for parents

• Encourage outdoor play. Aim for at least 2 hours a day of outdoor activity for your child. Unstructured play in the park or garden is ideal. Even lighting a playroom well and taking kids for walks can help.
• Limit screen/near work time. Follow guidelines: no screens under 2 years old; under-4s limited to 1 hour/day. For older children, apply the 20-20-20 rule during homework or tablet use, and schedule regular breaks from close-up tasks.
• Schedule regular eye tests. In the UK, all children under 16 are entitled to free NHS eye tests. Take advantage of this by having your child’s eyes checked by age 4 or sooner if you suspect problems. Early detection of myopia (or other issues like lazy eye) is key to effective management.
• Discuss myopia control if needed. If your child’s prescription is quickly increasing, ask your eye specialist about myopia control strategies (atropine, orthokeratology, special lenses). These treatments can be started in childhood to slow eye growth.

• Get annual specialist exams. Have a dilated retinal exam at least once a year by a retinal specialist. Bring any family history of eye disease to your doctor’s attention. Regular monitoring can catch changes early.
• Protect your eyes. Wear sunglasses that block UV when outdoors (to slow cataract formation) and use protective eyewear during sports. Avoid smoking and manage blood pressure, as these affect glaucoma and circulation.
• Be vigilant for warning signs. High myopes should know the symptoms of retinal detachment (sudden flashes, many new floaters, a shadow or curtain in vision). If these occur, seek emergency care. As the RNIB advises, “It’s important to have your eyes checked by your optometrist or ophthalmologist as soon as possible if you notice any changes to your vision”.

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Medical Disclaimer: This article is provided for general informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions about your eye health or treatment options. Individual results may vary. DS Eye Surgeon and its author assume no liability for reliance on the information provided herein.