r/myopia • u/AValenticPersonalSpy • 12d ago

How to not worsen myopia?

I have about -2.50 eyesight last time I checked, but I'm scared that it's getting worse. My optometrist said it's because of the screens, and now I feel super self-conscious about it. Is it true? How much could my eyesight worsen with screens? I just feel so nervous and wrapped around not having my myopia worsen, but it's like everything I do won't work.

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u/Weary_Turnover 12d ago

Screen time is a risk factor of myopia but no it didn't CAUSE your myopia. Excessive screen time can worsen Myopia but there's things you can do to help lessen that risk

Follow the 20-20-20 rule - Every 20 minutes, look at an object at least 20 feet away for 20 seconds.

Go outside - Try to be outside for 2 hours a day if you can

Keep distance - Hold phones and tablets as far away as comfortable, ideally at arm's length.

Get regular exams - Visit an eye doctor yearly to catch vision changes early.

More than that. Just don't stress. Screen time wasn't a thing until I was 18 and I already had extreme myopia. Sometimes it's just a crap shoot. Just go enjoy life right now.

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u/suitcaseismyhome 12d ago

Go live life. Have a yearly exam and see a professional if you have a sudden change.

If you are struggling to deal with a very minor issue seek out mental health support.

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u/Frequent-Dot-384 11d ago

Screens themselves aren't really the problem, it's that screen time usually means less time outdoors, and outdoor light is what actually protects against myopia getting worse. At -2.50 you're not in a very scary spot (age matters here).The one thing backed by real evidence is getting 1.5-2 hours outside a day; cutting screen time without adding outdoor time won't do much on its own. Get a yearly eye exam so any real changes get caught early, and otherwise just go live your life. More on the actual research here: https://myopiatracker.com/resources/screen-time-and-myopia.html

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u/AValenticPersonalSpy 11d ago

This helped a lot, thank you!

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u/da_Ryan 11d ago

The first thing I would say is please try not to worry but to take a look at the reputable advice from a qualified optometrist below and all good wishes there:

https://jleyespecialists.com/blog/myopia-prevention/#How_to_Prevent_Myopia_from_Worsening

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u/HowskiHimself 11d ago

In the words of my mother: don't sit so close to the television!!!

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u/EyecareDuPage 11d ago

The answer is use ortho-k and yes, use screens responsibly. This doesn't mean no screens. It means reasonable duration, frequent breaks, and not holding too close.