According to health experts, nearly half of the population in America is myopic. That is 42 percent of adults and children, to be exact. That figure has doubled within the past thirty years and continues to increase.

Myopia makes things at a far distance look blurry. Controlling myopia is essential in ensuring clear eyesight. If you have been diagnosed with nearsightedness, here is how you can stop it from progressing.

Reduce Eyestrain

Myopia causes you to squint or strain your eyes to keep focus. The situation worsens when you spend a lot of time on your phone or computer. Research shows that too much screen time changes your eyes. It makes your eyeballs grow longer, thus changing the natural curve of your eyes.

As a result, your eyes stop bending light the way they should and increase nearsightedness. Taking regular breaks from your screen and allowing your eyes to rest properly can slow down myopia.

Spend More Time Outdoors

Spending time outdoors can stop myopia from getting worse. Sunlight activates vitamin D that promotes healthy eye growth. Moreover, studies show that the violet light rays from the sun help control the size of your eyes. That enables your eyes to maintain a regular shape.

Wear Protective Sunglasses When Outside

Too much ultraviolet (UV) light is harmful to your eyes, especially when sunlight is the strongest. The sun’s rays are strongest between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. and during summer.

However, your eyes can get sunburned even on an overcast day or during winter. Wearing protective sunglasses can guard your eyes against harmful UV light if you spend too much time outdoors. It can also help delay the progression of myopia.

Eat Healthily and Stay Hydrated

Include vegetables, leafy greens, and fruits in your diet to increase your vitamin intake. Your eyes benefit when you also take foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as salmon, tuna, and walnuts. Also, avoid drinking too much caffeine and stay hydrated by drinking adequate water.

Avoid Smoking

Smoking gradually weakens your immune system. It lowers your body’s defense against illnesses, including eye health problems such as myopia.

Wear Corrective Lenses

Corrective lenses can help enhance your vision. They optimize your eyesight by making your eyes focus better on objects far away. You may find that your distance vision is broader and sharper with corrective eyeglasses or contact lenses.

Undergo Refractive Eye Surgery

People with advanced myopia may be candidates for refractive eye surgery. Your ophthalmologist uses a stream of laser light to adjust your cornea. That way, your eyes can bend light more suitably and improve distance vision. While refractive eye surgery reduces the need for corrective lenses, you may still need to wear eyeglasses occasionally.

See Your Eye Doctor Regularly

Taking good care of your eyesight and slowing down myopia also means seeing your eye doctor regularly. Regular eye exams can help monitor the health of your eyes as you track the progression of myopia.

Regular eye checkups are also important when it comes to updating your prescriptions and ensuring a healthy eye care routine.Have your eyes checked often, even if your vision is okay.

For more on how you can stop myopia from progressing, call Advanced Eyecare Center at (478) 412-4200 to reach our office in Perry, Georgia.