Living with Myopia: Tips for Managing Vision Changes as You Age

Living with myopia is a common experience for millions of people. While myopia often begins during childhood, its effects can continue to evolve as you age. Managing these changes is essential to maintaining clear vision and eye health.

Understanding Myopia and Vision Changes Over Time

Myopia occurs when the eye shape causes light to focus in front of the retina rather than directly on it, leading to blurry distance vision. This condition often progresses during childhood and adolescence but can also lead to complications as you age, such as an increased risk of retinal detachment, cataracts, or glaucoma.

While glasses and contact lenses offer excellent vision correction, they don’t slow down myopia progression. As you age, changes such as presbyopia, a natural loss of near focusing ability, can add another layer of complexity to your vision needs.

Tips for Managing Vision Changes with Myopia

Here are some strategies to help you adapt to vision changes and protect your eye health:

•       Prioritize Regular Eye Exams
Visit your eye doctor annually to monitor changes in your prescription and assess your overall eye health. Early detection of complications like glaucoma or retinal issues can make a significant difference.

•       Adopt the 20-20-20 Rule
If you spend a lot of time looking at screens, take breaks every 20 minutes to focus on an object 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. This helps reduce digital eye strain and prevents worsening symptoms.

•       Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
Eat a balanced diet rich in eye-friendly nutrients like omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin C, and lutein. Regular exercise and staying hydrated can also support overall eye health.

•       Protect Your Eyes Outdoors
UV rays from the sun can harm your eyes. Wear sunglasses with UV protection when you’re outdoors, and consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat for added shielding.

How Ortho-K Can Help

Ortho-K, short for orthokeratology, is a revolutionary non-surgical treatment for myopia. These custom-designed contact lenses are worn overnight, gently reshaping the cornea while you sleep. When you wake up, you can enjoy clear vision throughout the day without needing glasses or contact lenses.

Benefits of Ortho-K for Myopia Management

•          Non-Invasive and Safe: Ortho-K lenses offer a safe and reversible alternative to LASIK surgery.

•          Effective Myopia Control: Research shows that Ortho-K can slow the progression of myopia, particularly in children and teens, reducing the long-term risks of severe nearsightedness.

•          Freedom from Daytime Lenses: Enjoy clear vision without the hassle of glasses or traditional contact lenses.

•          Improved Comfort: Ortho-K lenses eliminate the discomfort of wearing contacts during activities like sports or in dry environments.

Your Vision, Our Priority

By taking proactive steps to manage your vision, such as maintaining regular eye exams, protecting your eyes, and exploring advanced options like Ortho-K, you can stay ahead of vision changes and enjoy clear sight at any age. At eye&I™, we’re committed to helping you achieve the best possible outcomes for your eye health.

Ready to take control of your myopia? Schedule a consultation with eye&I™ and discover how we can help you see the world more clearly. Visit our office in Bayside or Great Neck, New York. Call (718) 279-2020 or (516) 344-5662 to book an appointment today.